I had a similar problem on my 72. Turns out, the big trim panel behind the seats would press down on the rear part of the console making it just slightly touch the shifter shaft. After some slight cutting of the trim panel where it meets the console and a small block of wood cut to the right thickness inserted under the rear of the console, all is good. Try pushing down on the back part of the console to see if that changes the shifter operation.
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