Trans appears to be stuck in neutral and won't go into gear

[KKMARK]

When replacing the shifter on a 1970 vintage sand rail (1600cc with IRS) found that I am not able to get the transmission to engage in any gear. Appears to be stuck in neutral. When manually moving the hockey stick shaft the linkage shifts and appears to move into the appropriate positions but drums (wheels removed and jacked up) move freely and never lock up to the engine. I can rotate either drum or drive shaft by hand while shifting the trans into various gear positions. The engine isn't running during any of this. Drove it into the garage in fall and put it up on blocks to work on it. Doesn't make sense. Looking for advice on what could possibly be wrong.

[cbeck]

Rear is off the ground and trans is in gear? Spin one wheel (drum, rotor, axle), does the opposite wheel spin the other direction? That is the way mine behaves because of the open differential.

[Bruce2]

There's nothing wrong. Put the wheels back on and drop it to the ground. Then drive it away.

[KKMARK]

Will do....THX