I assume you have a two bbl carb? If so, the linkage on a 54 and I assume 55 and 56, was mounted on the back of the block/intake and connected with the carb on the RIGHT (passenger) side of the carb. 2bbl engines did not have a mounting point on the left rear of the intake (for sure on 54, most likely on 55/56). There should be one or two mounting holes on the back of the intake
What you should do is get a 54 steering column for an auto car, with the trans linkage, kickdown lever and carb linkage. The should be relatively easy to locate through Hemmings and
www.1954ford.com. The only problem with this is the column and steering box is basically one piece (although they do come apart).
All the stock 4bbl manifolds I have seen, plus all aftermarket, had the mounting pad for the carb and automatic linkage on the left rear of the intake, with one mounting point on the block in back of the intake.
Get a shop manual or a Motors manual which should have a picture of the linkage for both the 2 bbl and 4 bbl.