[salem1912]

Is the driveshaft in yet? If not the output shaft will spin even in neutral. When you modified the pilot bearing did the inside diameter "tighten up" when you installed it into the crank? perhaps causing the input shaft to spin with the crank. What do you mean shifter stick itself wont seat fully into the housing? The z bar ball stud should fit into the tab on the frame (I think it's been awhile)the treads are ground down on two sides so it fits in the slot of the tab welded to the frame.