The long shaft lever is at least 50 by itself and from what I could tell you had to take the valvebody off anyway to get it out...I don't blame you.

 

Pull the pan off, and then there is a retaining pin that needs a little heat to remove from the trans casting, pull out with needle nose pliers. Swap in the new pin and reinsert the retaining pin. You should be able to get the shaft for $10-20 from a trans shop.

 

Well I guess my luck is somewhat turning around. After about 5 minutes on craigslist I found a 4x4 80e out of an 02 truck for a price I couldn't pass up. I was going to take parts from the older style and put them in the newer Trans but figure it'll be easier to just buy a new rebuild kit and shift kit for the new Trans and sell the older style as a freshened up and somewhat 'built' unit. Someone with an older truck, hot rod or more fabrication skills than I have should be able to use it no problem. I like things easy and for me it was much easier to find a newer case. I'm thinking same build for the new one, borg warner high energy clutches and either a transgo or superior shift kit should hold up to what I'll be throwing at it.