I tipped my bike over on the grass at a low speed, now the shifter moves up and down about 2-3 inches and it never did before it tipped over. Anyone know how to fix it? (As of now shifting is really squirlly and I have to sit and jiggle it just right to get it above 2nd gear?

Could a spring have come off or what? PS the shift linkage is as straight as an arrow still. Hmmmmm

 

Never messed with the 454, but the return springs should not effect the throw on the shifter. I would say there may be a portion of the linkage that looks straight but may not be, or you may need to adjust the linkage to take out the slack. Some pics may help. Let us know what you find.

Welcome to KF!