I took my console off yest. and noticed that the steel plate that sits under the shifter plate is not level. The front part of the plate sits higher than the console, thus allowing the clip to enter. the back part of the plate sits almost level to the console, so the clip won't even touch the hole. I fit 2 washers between the steel plate and the shifter mount(?), this gave me the height needed to let the clip go in.

What do I need to keep the shifter knob in place?

NM, just saw yellowbirds reply

Thanks all

Thanks for all the replies!!