I need a victory, please help

[K85 Octane]

I want to be done with my interior. (Dash, steering wheel, column, etc)

I need a victory cause this truck, along with many other things, is pissing me off. The problem now is that I can't get the shifter lever to move. Here's the details:

auto trans shifter
I rebuilt the column.
Changed to an XJ shaft.
Put gauge panel, new wiring, and everything back in.
So I'm not sure if it was something I screwed up.

So I took the xj shaft off. I've started to take the column back apart. I took the trans linkage apart at the top, so it's only a column now. The shifter arm at the bottom of the steering column seems kinda tight against the housing, but I can wiggle it. So it shouldn't be keeping it from turning. If it's tight, why is it up inside the column more now?

I can move the shifter a little, from park to maybe R or N. At first I couldn't move it at all, like it was locked. But the key works and after taking the shift linkage off, I can move it some. It feels like it's binding up as I move it. Unsure. There is no motor in it and I supported the trans before taking it out. I'm not sure when it stopped working. Before or after the shaft, or column rebuild, or gauges going back in.

Thanks in advance.

 

[4X4HIGH]

Sounds like it has something to do with your column rebuild. The shift linkage should move freely when it isn't connected to the trans.

 

[K85 Octane]

that's what I figured
so I started by isolating the top
but when I did the rebuild I only went as far as taking off the 4 torque socket bolts. Replaced the two bearings on top, replaced horn, turn signal cam, and that's it. Its too dark out now, but I'm going to continue with the column Sunday. Was hoping someone out there screwed up the same and had the answer.

Is the shifter inside the column separate from everything else? I thought they were two different sections in one tube. arg

thanks