1 more dumb question - bad kickdown adjustment cause no reverse?

The column hooks to a rod that goes down to a bellcrank which goes over the the trans. then another rod hooks to the bellcrank on the trans. end and goes over to the shift lever on the trans. If the linkage is jumping around on you like you described something must be worn out or loose. If the linkage doesn't engage the trans. correctly that'll sure cause the problem you have.

BTW: how long did it sit before you installed it into your car? If it was very long was it covered up real good to keep dirt and crap out?