I have the weirdest problems, Can't get shift selector back into tranny properly?? Options

[JPA914]

Ok, it seems like every day is opposites day for me when working on the 914! Just
replaced my shift bushings in my side-shifter; the one at the firewall is what seems to strike fear into everyone and it was the easiest for me. Oh sure, it was a bit tight, but it being made of softer plastic allowed me to manipulate it enough to get it in within a few minutes. Tools used were a flatblade screwdriver and my thumbs. The other two bushings, the "easy" ones, are hard plastic and were MUCH more difficult. I had to use a vise to get them in.

So with that done, I go to re-install the shift selector. Went in easily, re-installed the rear shift bar, no problem. Go to test the shifter from inside and I can't engage any gears!! Upon further inspection, there is a great deal of up and down play along the shaft of the selector (the part that sits up into the tranny). Is this normal? I tried again to install the selector, but the shaft remains free to move up and down. I can't seem to install the selector in such a way that the shaft stays "up". Tranny is in neutral, shift rod head is perpendicular to the length of the car. I've never heard of anyone having difficulty with this (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)