I have a 98 Dakota with a 44re that I just finished rebuilding this winter. I finally got it back in and tried to start it and there was no turn over, no clicking from the starter, no sound or indication of any kind that the thing was trying to start. Almost like its not in park. Battery is tested over 12 volts, gear shift is all the way up in park and is connected correctly to the shift linkage on the tranny. Tried to manually shift the tranny with the metal lever on the side and can't get it to budge. Actually made the lever strip off and now spins. I also rebuilt the transfer case, power steering gear, and replaced ball joints and brakes. It started fine before the tranny was removed. Extremely hard shifting and a few parts were found to be chewed up when I opened it. Before I put it in the truck I could manually move the shift linkage lever on the tranny with a normal amount of force. I am so frustrated. I thought I was finally getting my truck back and now this. I have no idea what the problem is.
Could it be that the truck needs to be pushed back and forth a bit, like its stuck on a hill?
I replaced both sole kids in the valve body also. Please help me I am lost and don't want to drop the damn thing again.

Thanks for the help
Josh