1987 Looper v4 140 RPM only 4000

[nymack66]

Guys , I worked all weekend with the Shift rod issue , I am replacing the V6 gearcase see previous notes , I am now replacing it with a lower unit from a 1978 140v4 , Bolts up fine problem with the shift rod off the v6 gear case its over 22 inches in N , If I connect it to the shifter I can't shift into Forward , Reverse is fine the rod approx 1 inch 2 long,
Question is do I need to buy a new 1987 v4 140 shift rod or the shift rod from the large gearcase should work ?