johnrr- yes- it shifted while in drive and the linkage was not hooked up, I know it needs to be.
working on that problem.

just is that plate is throwing me off.

John_K - i had the whole VB apart and compared it to some others that I had and they all looked the same. including the transfer plate.

I havent filled the tranny yet so its not really a problem pulling the pan again. i guess its better to just leave it on. it shifted fine.
I would hate to fill it now and found out that the plate really is needed.

thanks guys