Console dash pad alignment issue.
 

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...0b068d637.jpeg
Anyone ever have this problem? Other side of console fits fine. Passenger dash pad fits fine at the top. Could this simply be a defective dash pad?

have you tried loosening the screws that hold it on to see if it can be aligned better?

Multiple times. The dash has actually been entirely removed several times. But that is another story.

You need to move it up ,remove the upper screws ,you will get it .maybe move the panel in and up..
hope this helps.

I'm thinking that the trans console is too far forward. Did you install sound-proofing and heat shielding material behind the trans console?

Yes

Ive had my center gauge cluster in and out 4-5 times in the past couple years. I would take that passenger dash back out, take out the parking brake console, remove the gauge cluster to dash screws, remove the screws in the shift console support brace, loosen up radio nuts/brace and see if I could pull the forward shift console back.

Thats what I would do.

More pictures might help.