727 Column Shift linkage installation tips?

I'm guessing it's a 904 Z bar and you're trying to fit it to a 727. If this is the case the 904 piece is an inch too long because the 904 is narrower than a 727. It's been awhile but i think the transmission bracket is lower on the 904 too?
You can jam the 904 pieces in and it will probably work most of the time but will bind won't be correct. You should index the z bar, cut out an inch and re-weld it. I've done a few but a long time ago.