5 speed shifter install problem

[bobaloo]

To make a long story short, I have a leak and I think I fixed it. Now the problem. It's just a stock 5sp in my 94 ranger 4 banger. I pulled the shifter out of the top of the trans and cannot get it back in so that it works. It goes in place but wont shift into gears. I don't believe it was in neutral before I pulled it, and it sounded and felt like something spring loaded moved. Now I can't figure out how to put it back right.
Help Please!
Thanks In Advance,
Bob

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Looking down through the top of the trans, if the right side is a mirror image of the left side and the top mirrors the bottom, then it should be in neutral and ready to put the shifter back in. If not mirrored, then use a long screwdriver to put everything in place. You may have to try more than once to get it right.

 

[bobaloo]

trans continued

Looking down from the top I noticed a spring loaded lever on the left side near the top. what position should this lever be in?

 

[RonD]

There will be 3 shift rails for a 6 speed( 5 forward, 1 reverse)

All 3 need to be lined up in the center of the shifter hole.
Picture here: http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/winter2007/shifterbushings.shtml

See picture just below Step #8
It shows 2 of the 3 slots in Neutral.

If trans is in gear then shift rails can be hard to move because the weight if the truck is holding them, if you rock the truck/wheels it can be easier to "shift" the rails, but watch out, truck WILL roll when you do get it into Neutral.

 

[bobaloo]

Thanks!!! Gonna try to get things lined up tomorrow. I'm just gonna jack up rear end to get tension off driveline. I'll let you know how it all works out.
BTW I noticed that there are a couple bushings and spring washers etc...I found 2 spring washers and half a bushing in mine. I guess it is time for a new set of parts.
Thanks again.

 

[bobaloo]

One more...

Any Idea about the spring loaded arm located on the left side of the opening? It's near the top opening. does it go behind the spring lever?

 

[bobaloo]

Thanks

Got it neutral, replaced all the shifter parts and hopefully fixed the leak. I think the lever I wrote about was for the reverse lite switch. Anyway it looks and feels like a success! I had no idea how worn out the shifter was, what a difference.
Thanks for all the help!!!