Very stupid problem and question!

No, the lever Iwas talking about was the lower bellcrank off the trans stud. It was just flopping. I put it back and then the car shifted (and finally downshifted) normal after that. It would hold 3.55 rear 1st gear to about 50 if I remember correctly. That was winding that little 273 out pretty good. If you got an aftermarket cable, Listen to a user.