[DeTomaso] shift turnbuckle question

[Christopher Kimball]

In preparation for putting my motor back in, I was about to re-install the 
shift linkage onto the long piece which goes from inside the car into the 
engine bay, but I have some questions I'm hoping someone can answer.

1) the piece I'm discussion is the one with the universal-type joints on 
either end; one end attaches to the transmission, the other to the long, 
metal rod.  The piece has a turnbuckle in the middle, but it's not really 
the middle; of the sections of the unit on either side of the turnbuckel 
assembly, one section is longer than the other.  My question is, does the 
longer portion go toward the rear of the car with its universal joint 
attaching to the transmission, or does the longer portion face the front of 
the car with it's universal joint attaching to the long rod that goes back 
into the stick shift assembly?

2) Is there any better way of getting the universal joint (which has grooves 
in its hole to match up with the ridges on the male rod) to open up so the 
rod can slide into the hole, other than pounding a screwdriver into the 
crack to try and force the hole to be bigger?

I appreciate any insights anyone can give me!  Thanks.

Chris #2813