T18 shifter questions, (Nick-- help?)

I did a search and read a lot, but didn't get everything answered. Here goes:

My wife's Jeep (83 CJ-7) has a swapped in t18 (maybe t-98?) with reverse over and up to the dash. Older model t18 or a t98, right?

My 67 -5 has a swapped in t18, reverse is over and back. Late model, right?

I have a shifter stick for a t18 that came out of a cj7 at the junkyard, don't know if it is factory, or 4to1, or 6to1, or what. I do know that it will not work in my 67 -5 t18, the portion of the stick below the pivot is to short, almost works but not quite.

So I guess I want to pick Nickmil's brain, as from the search I did, you are the expert. Can you give a quick rundown on interchangability of shifter sticks between top covers?

Finally, the stick that came with my 67 -5 t18 was brand new, fairly short and completely straight. I gave it a little bend at the bottom and have been very happy with it. Then I got this -7 stick at the junkyard. It is a little longer with a bend at the bottom, very slight bend in the middle, and a slight twist to the driver. I want to run it. CAN I SOMEHOW LOOSEN THE PIVOT BALL ON THE SHAFT, MOVE IT UP SOME TO MAKE THE LOWER PART LONGER, AND RUN IT? It sure looks like this would work. The pivot point appears to have been slid into place and then "staked" I guess would be the word. Doesn't really appear to be welded. What would you recommend to work it loose? Only thing I can think of is heat it with a torch and put it in a vise opened just enough to let the stick thru and use this to "push" the ball against and slide the stick down a little. Then just tack it in place. Opinions??