HELP!!! 3 spd problem?

[saxmo]

I have 2 69 C10 panels. I took the drivetrain outta one (body was junk), and put it into the other one. Everything was working fine, but now that the stuff is in the second panel, it won't shift into gear. When I put the clutch rod in place, it seemed to have a huge amount of resistance! I had to pry the fork (where the clutch rod pushes against the part sticking outta the tranny) in order to get the rod to fit. When I start the vehicle and try to put it in gear it grinnnndddssss and will not go in. I even tried putting it into gear before starting it, but won't go. I adjusted the rod all the way out and still no luck. i have a good floor shift on my other 3 spd, do you think switching to floor shift might help? Or, is it something else? My wife's FORD broke down, so I gotta try and get this panel running until I can afford the new motor for her truck.... thanks