1977 chevy impala
The gear want shift could anyone help me out!!

The 1977 Impala was almost a completely different car from the 1976 model. It shrank both in steel and in mettle (pun intended). The weight of the car dropped by just over 700 pounds, then length shrank 10.6 inches, it was 4 inches narrower, and the wheelbase was 5.5 inches shorter. It wasn't exactly down to F-1 racer size, but it definitely was smaller than former models.
The engines also shrank. The new standard was a 250-ci I6 rated at 110 horsepower. Available engines included a 305-ci V8 rated at 145 horsepower and a 350-ci V8 rated at 170 horsepower.
The gear want shift could anyone help me out!!
Can I remove the oil pan on my 1977 Chevy Impala without taking out the engine
I bought this car about a year ago. So far I have replaced the spark plus, valve covers, battery and did a oil change. The car passed smog (California) and everything was fine until a week ago. The car doesn't start right away it takes a while for it to crank. I have to tap the gas a few times so it can start. Once it starts and is on a thick cloud of smoke comes out of the exhaust, the car tends to jump slightly while idling and at night with the head lights it tends to dim with the the rhythm of the jump. I'm not sure what's going on o am noob when it comes down to cars and want to get her running right. Any support, ideas or directions are welcome.
My 1977 chevy impala is starting not to shift properly to the next year what should I check first an these is my first time having a older car!!