Strange problem, please help!!!

[Chevelle454]

My '72 column shift is not working correctly(auto th350). Everything is stock. The steering shaft is not it, but even when it is, the thing won't shift. No matter how hard I pull back on the lever, it won't budge. But if I control the shifter from the engine compartment, I can watch my shift lever in the cab pull back and operate freely, with no problems.

It all worked before, but I took it apart when I took the cab of for painting, and now it won't work when I put it back together... Is there a part that I am missing or something for it to do this? What could be the problem? Please let me know what I could try if you have any suggestions...

Thanks,
Scott