Finally got the chance to finish setting up the steering column and getting it ready for another test drive. This is the first drive since I did all the front end work and replaced the shocks. The steering is much tighter now! It feels good although the alignment is way off so I won't drive it much before the alignment and tire replacements. The transmission shifted normally through all three gears by placing the gear selector in the "2" position on my column which corresponds to the "green dot" position on a true 1966 Lincoln which is what this transmission came out of. There is still something loose on the front end though - sure hope it's not a control arm bushing! I still need to replace the upper shock mount on the passenger side so am hopeful that's where the noise is coming from. Next up is taking care of that defective valve lifter.