Next glitch on my 89

[hoffy30]

Checked clutch cable, 1" rule applied, cable locked in place. Transfer in neutral, no shift in to 1st or second. After looking at picture of extension box removed am thinking the shift gate was not lined up ie: not in neutral when I pulled the shifter. if this were the case wouldn't the 1st-2nd rail be forward, not allowing the shifter ball to catch the gate ? Just to clarify you need to drop the crossmember and tailshaft down to access the 2 front bolts of the the extension to enable removal and inspection. Thanks