TransGo TF3- tie back or run cable

And a totally unrelated question since I have TrailBeast on the line here? I was over at a customer's house and he has his 2-speed Powerglide from the 68 El Camino and I grab the input shaft to check the play and it pulled out like an inch and a half!? That doesn't sound right at all!? What do you think?

Completely normal. You probably should keep your hands off your friends shaft, though.