727 tf slipping when cold

Might have been tied back before i change shifter. I also had the carb of at some point so I probably removed anything holding the linkage back. So I take it from the replies here that I need to install the linkage and pray there are no permanent damage :)

That's about right. But, if the transmission has slipped at all as you describe, It's been damaged "to some degree". Best you can do is get it all hooked up, adjusted properly and run it and see.