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i installed a 700r4 into my '72 a few years ago now.
i'm using the stock shifter with the Shiftwork's kit, but you can use the 700r4 without it, but you cannot manually select 1st gear.
if you search on here there are posts on how to modify your original shifter gate plate.
All you need to do is to remove the stock shift detent plate and grind/cut another detent notch in it for 1st range. Then you can pull the stock shifter back into that notch to keep it in 1st.
Having it in 1st is not really that important, as 1st gear winds up very quickly. The 'notch mod' is of little value unless you are drag racing the car.