Tranny linkage adjustment

Not sure what you mean by slip fit. I assume you mean it does not bind? No, it went together just fine.
I adjusted the clutch to the point the grinding is minimal but the throwout bearing is tight against the fingers. I know that's no good, but if I back it off then it grinds very badly and I cant even get it to go all the way into first.
Something is definitely FUBAR here. I'm gonna do a search to see if I can find a pic of a set of 72 Duster pedals to see if they match mine. I suspect they wont. But would incorrect pedal assembly cause the gears to grind?? shouldn't.
I plan to drain the fluid and replace it with something a little heavier....90wt or 140wt??? Thoughts on this?