Today I decided to replace the gear shift linkage bushings in my 1971 Mercedes 220D, with a manual transmission. After I finished the job I hopped in the car, started it and tried to put it in first gear, excited to see how the new bushings would enhance my driving experience. I was surprised to find however, that first gear was no longer available to me, and neither were 2nd and reverse... It shifts into 3rd and 4th just fine but the gear shift will not "slide" to the left to allow me to shift into the rest of the gears. Prior to me exchanging the bushings this was never an issue. Now I'm at a loss for what to do, I went back under the car and didn't see anything obviously wrong.

Any words of advise would be greatly appreciated, I need my baby back on the road!