do you have the egr delete plate in there? If so, I used longer bolts and 5/8" nuts to bring the linkage back in line with the way it pulls the tb. Also with the taller valve covers you may have to raise the plate a bit, just drill new holes about a 1/4" to 3/16" above the stock ones. Puts the linkage ball stud mount just above the cover enough to let it the linkage snap on. I had the same problem as you with the linkage.