I have a 99 ls400 and prev owner says trans was rebuilt before he got it out auction. He says the shift linkage cable (bracket) was shortened. No clue why, car will not allow me to put it into 2 or L however i can put it into park through 3rd fine and i drove the car 2 and a half hours home so i know it shifts all gears in drive.
can anyone help me understand what was done and how and what to fix.

 

Maybe the cable broke and they rigged it up to still work?

 

This is one of those cases where it just comes down to 3 things:
1) If it works now and it's not causing you any issues, leave it alone
2) Any modification like this, you need to look, post pictures if you want help, or ask a mechanic. Is it worth it? Well, that depends on (1) and how much disassembly you want to do
3) Ask the guy you bought the car from for the contact of the shop or to explain it to you if he did it (he may not give you this info)

Our guess is really as good as yours. The only difference being we can't see the car

 

For context, you probably have to look at the linkages shown here:

https://www.amayama.com/en/catalogs/...er-retainer-76