I have a works short shifter kit. Something happened and now there is a ton of lateral (side to side) movement in the gear shift. Plus I can't get into reverse it just goes into 4th. Does anyone know what this might be?

 

It will actually only go from 3rd to 4th. Everything on the short shifter looks ok so I guess it is the transmission.

 

I hope my transmission isn't trashed.

 

Something is loose or not tightened. Did you do any of the bushings at the same time or did you install just the shifter? If just the shifter the fix should be easy...retrace all your steps and find whatever is loose