On my 06 Pitbulls the shift rod-linkage itself is 14 3/4" , and it's 16 1/2" from eyelet to eyelet (center) of the heim joints.
YES I would suggest the standard length linkage shift arm that was removed from the K-9 be re-installed with stock forward controls .
However I do not know what that length is .
Seems quite a bit of "variance" from model to model according to the posts here.
Like Ringo said : Theres a bit of "free play" in the shift lever on the forward controls between 2 stopping points(backwards towards the transmission & forward).
How many inches *forward/extended* were the old foot controls...?
Whats the extended rod length measure....?
Vince