When i was down and dirty in there, i saw that pin and it was in there. That small arm that holds the shift linkage in to the tranny seemed pretty snug, so it doesn't seem like thats the problem. Got a short shifter in the mail yesterday and have those parts still on order. I talked with a few people who say that the shifter and linkage could be the problem, well we'll see.
To be honest, i just want to be able to make it work for some time until i can afford an engine swap, check my other thread about engine building, swapping, turboing, looking for different suggestions on affordable yet reliable way to get around 250 hp. Anywho, i'll post what happens when i put the linkage in. Thanks for all your help!