So I got the engine and tranny installed and buttoned up today. I went to start and move the car and the shifter wouldn't move. The tranny will shift through all gears fine if i unhook the cable and move it by hand so its not the tranny. Any ideas. After looking in the console I saw this part laying in the bottom.

 

After messing around I have more to add. If I removed the shifter cable from the shifter I have the same problem. But if I disconnect the other cable that is attached to the shifter it will move fine. What is this other cable? Is it like a park n safety cable or something? What would cause it to be bad all of a sudden? What are the ramifications of just disconnecting it?

 

Yes.

Wearing out?

Did you do anything with the steering column? Ignition tumbler?

It will shift out of park with the steering wheel locked by the ignition being in the locked position.