80e swap PRND switch problem

doing the swap and im almost ready to put it in but the "bolt" that stick out the side on the 80e for the shift selector is only about 3/4" long. the 60e is about 1 1/2" long which allows it to go through the switch and still have enough space to hook the shift cable and nut on. i slid the switch over the 80's bolt and there isnt even enough to put the nut on! ive done some searching and it looks like the switch for the 60's and 80's are the same. so why is the "bolt" (idk what its correct name is) so short on this tranny? am i missing some sort of extension? idk what to do. am i supposed to remove the one from the 60 and put it on the 80? from all the swap posts on this site and others, nobody seems to have this problem since all their bolts are the longer version. i dont have any pics right now. ill try and get some up tomorrow but im hoping somebody knows whats going on here before then. thanks

BTW the trans is out of a 95 3500 van.

EDIT: found some pics that work.

this is the short bolt which my 80e has
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...y223/short.jpg

this is the longer bolt which my 60e has
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ay223/long.jpg

is there a different switch for each? anybody know where i can get one?

Go to your local trans rebuild shop and tell them you need the long style "Shifter Shaft" and seal. You can replace it without removing the valve body but, the pan will have to come off.

Jeff

Thanks for the reply. Ill swing by one today. Glad I noticed this while its still out of the truck! But why is there two different sizes? Obviously the shorter one works somehow too. Only thing I can guess is that it didn't originally come with a switch or it was mounted differently?

I know on the F-Body 4L60 trans that it has a short shaft because it is a console shift and the switch is inside the console. Maybe this 4L80 it came from a console shift truck. (Escalade or Hummer or something).

Jeff

The short shifter shaft 4l80 is the older 4l80. You need the shift shaft from a newer model 4l80.

didnt have time to swing by a shop today. can i just pull the one from the 60e? would it fit? the threads are the same on the outside. just dont know what the other end looks like on the inside. rather use something i already have than buy a new one from a shop. and i really appreciate the replies. the trans came out of a G30 van... i would assume column shift but i never been inside one before so not sure. if it wont work no biggie. it jsut this and the front pump bolt o-rings im waiting on to get this thing installed. thanks!!!