Might be worth a phone call to Modern Driveline.
I personally can't recall anyone putting the AOD into a classic, but I remember the kickdown linkage is a big deal and if not correct, can scrap the transmission.
Good to see your still busy Larry.
I recently lost my Dad also, he was 91.
I've yet to get back to my '65. Stuck in storage before COVID hit and never got back to pick it back up.
It sounds like a combination of adjustment and bushings. You can get a bushing kit from places like CJ Pony Parts and then properly adjust it when you reassemble it.
If it's anything like my '84, the fuel evaporates out of the bowl during the week, and I have to pump the heck out of it to get it started the first time on the weekend.
You can start with this chart:
https://cdn.website.thryv.com/7fc8b09813234ba0b3c5e3c0a1b8c109/files/uploaded/1964-1973-Mustang-Wheel-and-Tire-Size-Chart.pdf
Some basic questions:
Are you sure those are the correct bearings?
Does the car have the original spindles?
What engine was the car equipped with?
What brand are the new bearings?