Ford Repair: clutch cable, worn clutch, clutch cable

Question
I have a 96 mustang GT and my clutch cable snapped I went to nappa to buy a replacement cable and there were 2 different sizes so I bought both I took off the old one and discovered it was the longer one and installed it when the car was off I pushed the clutch in a few times and checked all the gears it seemed it would function correctly took it off the jack stands and turn it on with it in nueteral and pushed the clutch in and it wouldn't go into the gears should I have installed the shorter one don't know what to do at this point please help?

Answer
Sometimes Ford has a mid-year model change or updates the part after further testing.  I don't know which cable would be the correct one for your vehicle without more information.  I would measure and compare the old cable to the new one, or call the dealer for information.  The new cable could just need to be adjusted, try pulling the clutch pedal back toward you while sitting in the drivers seat.  A worn clutch would also cause the trans to be hard to shift into gear and/or grind while shifting.

I hope this helps,
Dave