I have a '71 Muncie M-22 on my '68 (originally a th400). When I went out tonight to take it for a drive, I can't get the thing to shift into a gear. I drove it two days ago and it was fine...any ideas. I haven't had the car for that long, but I have noticed that even when I could shift it, the linkage seemed loose and it was hard to find each gear (especially between 1-3 and 2-4). Another question: when I removed the carpet around the shifter, I noticed that whoever put in the trans., butchered the console area and it seems as if the hole that the shifter handle goes through is way off center towards the driver's side.

If you are running an early shifter, they can wear out. There is a set of shims and bushings in the shifter mechanism itself. You may have to work the shifter real hard to get them back in alignment. If this turns out to be the case, then its time to have the shifter rebuilt or get a Hurst Competition Plus.

Also check your shift rods and make sure the bushings are not worn out. They came with nylon, but steel were available.

I can't imagine there is something wrong internally, but you never know. Check these things first and let us know.

Hope this helps.

Sounds like what happened to my buddys car a month ago....its the linkeage as Tom says...Q got on the phone w my buddy , and he got it explained ,then taken care of....( my buddys tranny is a 5 spd Richmond, but its the same type linkeage)
I wasnt there when he fixed it but he said it was pretty easy after he got it jacked up...(832) 676-5650 is his bus phone, (713) 868-1950 is his house...name is Stacy....Call him ,tell him I told you to call...

The reason that the shifter is off center is because the original shifter has an offset built into it to get it centered. You just don't have the complete original shifter. Since it's not the original you might want to think about replacing it. Also, I bet that something just got loose. The way you describe it, it sounds like the whole shifter may be moving.
Jim

AGREE with all of the above, odds are your tranny is just fine and your linkage is the culprit. The offset to the drivers side is normal and expected. BEFORE you tear the whole **** shifter linkage out make a good, precise diagram of what is there now. Then get the mentioned above new shifter kit and install. Sounds like you had a mix of old and new, based on my personal terrible experiences with trying to figure this out on mine!
Question: How much vibe and movement of the shifter did you normally have prior to problem? Did it vibrate a little excessive at higher speeds? To the point where you felt better putting your right hand on it to calm down the vibration movement?

Well, I unhooked everything today and took out the shifter. I took it apart and noticed that the shims and the spacers were extremely gritty (like they were out at the beach). I cleaned them off, lubed them up and re-connected the linkage. Works like a charm. Even better, I saved myself about $150.00

Thanks for the responses

Mike

Good job , thats similar to what Stacy did....
his was stuck in two gears at the same time...
see ya in a week ,plus some...
(Ill be leaving town tomorrow morning..)