Ok, back at it again. I started over basically in taking one of my transmissions and ensuring proper assembly of the countershaft (all the thrust washers and stuff). On this particular one, I had removed the bearing too. What I began to notice is that I can move that countershaft left and right quite a ways. Forcing it to the extreme left and I have a real good feeling about 3rd gear but not 4th. Forcing it to the right, I feel real good about 4th but not 3rd. I'm hoping I can find the happy medium but I'm uncertain what mechanism is in place to ensure the correct placement of that countershaft with respect to how far left or right you push it. Perhaps only the bearing itself? That brass cap on the end has a slot in it but I don't recall any kind of spacer stuck down in it. I'm glad I took a lot of pictures. I'll see what the limit on moving the bearing itself is...
*edit* Ahh, I think I've done it. With the limiting factor being that clip (#22) next to the bearing on the countershaft, I put that bearing back on close to the clip and tried in the motor. I noticed the transmission was very hard to turn. I moved the bearing butt up against that clip and put it back in. Not only was operation smooth, 3rd and 4th gear engage to the point I'm satisfied it will not jump out of gear. I don't know if the "factory position" of that bearing is where I have it but it works. I was able to effectively position the shaft using that bearing as an anchor point.
Looks like in the end, something happened that bent the "L" shift fork. Perhaps that and maybe a PO got in there and didn't get it back together correctly. Either way, I'm at the reassembly stage now. Need two case bolts (snapped) and a centrifugal oil filter. I had to destroy it to get it off.
Thanks for all the help.