When the cable snapped, the fork may have slipped out of the proper place over the ball. That makes it real hard to operate.
Use a big screwdriver or other prybar to pull the fork out - straight out away from the bellhousing. If it has moved, it'll "snap" back out about 3/4".
The cables you get now aftermarket are trash - take your old one to an industrial cable maker. Phone book Yellow...



