I finally replaced the ole speedometer cable housing and all. A local old time speedometer repair shop built me one to the length needed and for a very reasonable price in my opinion, about $28 after the tax.
But, here is the issue. When I first installed it the needle was up around 20 mph before I even started the truck. I took it back out and got the needle back down to zero and reinstalled. Then the test drive, 1st gear tops out around 45 mph, 2nd around 80 mph and I think if I pushed it 3rd would bring it all the way back around easy enough. Do I have to back wind this thing somehow? It worked perfect with the old cable for about 300 miles until the cable broke.