[wjdunn3]

Something else to check...
The shift rod that runs from the shift lever through the tunnel and out the fire wall is not a solid bar, but a tube. It has solid ends spot welded into each end. The spot welds on the end that sticks out of the firewall can fail due to rust. Remove the crooked shift rod and inspect the rod sticking out of the firewall. Twist the end of it and see if it moves (twist). If this is the problem then it can be easily fixed by re-welding.