I'm down to first gear., UPDATED with tear down pictures. Options

[914bub]

After waiting 2 years to get my car to me,and another year sorting issues, replacing the clutch etc. I'm down to needing first gear. I have 2nd through 5th and reverse. I've read every thread I can find about shifter adjustment. Most pertain to side shifter transmissions but usually say that the process is similar, just different adjustment points for a tail shifter.

Can anybody tell me how to get 1st gear? Unlike other cars I've owned, it grinds when trying to get into first. The other cars I've owned might grind but you could "push past" the grind and jamb it into gear.It's almost like there isn't enough shifter throw to get it into 1st gear. I've replaced the ball cup bushing at the base of the shifter and have all the other bushings to replace the whole set. I've inspected the others and they don't seem wasted.

I've tried putting it into first before starting the car and it's the same issue. Shifter doesn't have enough throw..... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/WTF.gif)

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[914bub]

I have another question. I'm ready to button up my transmission but in looking at the picture below,(stolen from OU8AVW's thread), the short shaft on the upper right that holds the counter gear came off of my trans, attached to the rear housing. It seems impossible trying to line up the fat washer with the half moon cut out to line up. Should I tap that short shaft out of the rear housing and tap it into the trans, or should it be attached to the rear housing?