ok I've got the Bently, 3-4 differant versions/iterations

i'm not sure exactly on adjusting the shift rod and linkage on my fathers van (he's already taken it apart)

anyone have any insight or tricks?   there is no mention of the slide joint of the 2 halves, wouldn't this make it difficult to goto 
front(1,3) or rear shift(2,4) gears if it's either too long or too short of an overall distance?

dan in syracuse.