Shifting problems 94 ranger 4.0 super cab. 4 speed with overdrive.

I have changed the transmission in my ranger. The old transmission locked up on me at 70mph. The race broke in the front of the transmission and the needle bearings backed off into the gears. The gears chipped them up until a piece of gear got wedged in the teeth and locked her up.

The replacement (junk yard) mazda transmission has been fine for the most part and I have run it for a couple of years.

The common problem between the two transmission is getting it in hear at times. Often 1st and reverse are hardest. Some times it will shift fine, others it will not go into gear even if I go through other gears first.

I reused the top assembly(name?) off of my old transmission so that's the only part that is still the same. I can't remember exactly why but I thing the shifter location/angle or shifter (stick) mount from the replacment transmission did not work with my truck/shift lever.

I was wondering if anyone else has had the same problem?

I saw there was a "shifter rebuild kit" for $15 at advance but it looks to be just a bushing or something.

What do you think I need the shifter rebuild kit or the whole assembly with the forks and sliders?

Also where is the model number on my transmission? (Mazda Trans)

Thanks all