I agree. Some of the 80s model Fords you must have the kickdown cable on those AOD Transmissions or it will mess them up.
As far as older GM Transmissions there were many styles of kickdown cables. So I think you can be creative as long as you mind safety issues.
I would recommend looking at several different shop manuals to see the locations of the linkage.
Also you might stop by a Transmission Shop and see if they have advice or even a spare linkage.
