[mr0077]

rdorman,
You can verify the trans is in neutral (in case the arms move while you're working on it) by moving the two front arms to the middle detent (each has three positions, the middle position is neutral). The rear arm is the reverse arm, but I can't remember which direction is neutral. Note the position of the arms before you take the rods off, 'cause they must be fairly close if you are able to shift trough the gears.
Put the trans in neutral, and try to push the 1/4" rod (drill bit, e.g.) through the hole. If it doesn't go, pull the clips on the transmission shift arms, and "wiggle" the shifter arms (on the bottom of the shifter) until the 1/4" rod goes through (this may all be easier to say than do, depending on how much clearance you have between the shifter and the tunnel/crossmembers, etc.). Once the rod is in place, adjust the rods as described, so the end of the shift rods slip into the trans. shift arm bushings with no difficulty or movement of the arms on the shifter or trans. Tighten the adjuster lock nuts and you're done.
By the way, a real insidious problem is a loose nut on one or more of the shifter arms on the trans...make sure the nuts holding the arms on are tight before you do anything, that can cause all sorts of grief!
Good luck, let us know how it comes out!