The rod goes from the adapter to the tranny. Tried to post a picture but after playing with the size several times, to make it fit in my post, I gave up. Yes, the instructions say to modify the rod. Basically, bend it downward to reach where the rod connects to the tranny since the adapter goes up and over the header. Doesn't say to cut and weld in a extension. I didn't and couldn't give TTi a call to see what they say but guess will have to on Monday. I'll be going to my friend's shop and we are going to look at it again. Was hoping someone on here had done this and did the "modification".