This picture should help you orient your boot on the shifter and tailshaft ? You will need to mount the boot and shifter before installing the trans. The rest of the assembly process is 3/4 rod to 3/4 lever and so on. The levers will be adjacent to the slots in the boot. If you have the back up light assembly it is best to install at this time as well. If using the bracket Gaines mentioned now is the time to mount that as well. Second picture shows the rod, lever and boot openings. 3/4 on the LEFT, 1/2 in the same opening and R closest to the tail shaft. Brian