1972 AMC Six+AT being swapped into a 1967 American

The linkage shouldn't be a problem. Horizontal or vertical isn't an issue -- works either way as long as nothing interferes with shift rod movement under the car. What you need to be concerned about is the LENGTH of the shift arm on the transmission. From the center pivot point on the trans to the center of the hole for the rod needs to be the same on BOTH transmission for the shift quadrant to be correct. If the TF arm is longer, the shifter will move past the quadrant on both ends, if shorter it won't move as far. In either case the pointer won't line up. The "clicks" are in the trans, not the shifter, so you can still shift by counting the "clicks" as you move the shift lever. I don't even have a quadrant on mine, the column came from a car with the quadrant in the dash. I just put it in gear by feel -- easy to get the hang of once you drive it a few times (even my wife can drive it!), and it's a good theft deterrent too -- no one knows how to shift unless you tell them! That narrows the possible thiefs down a good bit... 

Got the engine running today; it sounds good (no smoke, etc).

Installed the driveshaft and may have a handle on sorting out the throttle pressure cable.

farna wrote: A simpler setup may be the cable from Lokar. It's not cheap, but several people have used it and it's much neater and easier than the linkage. Most hot-rod shops can get it. Will be listed as a Chrysler cable, of course, but fits AMC model TFs just fine.

The replacement tranny came with a Lokar throttle pressure cable-----thus far it has been a royal PITA getting it to 'interface' with the bellcrank throttle linkage.