Made a ton of progress on the truck since last updated this thread. Hoping to be driving it within a month.
Stock transmission linkage worked simply by moving the frame mount back about an inch. Actually lines up perfect on the gear shift indicator on the column and I'm able to get from Park all the way to 1st without binding or issues. "Need to clean and touch up the frame"
Chopped up the stock 2000 Tahoe pedal and used the stock 69 pedal bracket mounting holes on the firewall. lines up pretty good. will look into either changing the chrome trim pad that I have for a standard waffle pad, or upgrading to the chrome trim gas pedal once its driving.
cleaned up, resealed the diff and topped off the fluid.