There is a hole in the shifter that helps line up all three arms. I think it is 3/16" or 1/4" diameter. Disconnect all the rods and stick a drill bit in the hole and line up the arms. Then adjust the lengths of the rods to meet the holes in the arms, then pull out the pin (or drill). After that, you should have fewer problems.
This will make much more sense when you are down there with a light.
