Need Help Please on 1999 90HP 2 Stroke Yamaha lower unit

[ANTI-]

While changing my water impeller I noticed the oil seal on the gear shifter was leaking. I decided to remove the gear shifter plate and change both the oil seal and the large "O" ring on the plate. Upon doing so I accidentally pulled up on the gear shifter, unseating it. Now I can't seem to get it to drop back down. Is there a trick to do this? Shouldn't it just drop in? I had the motor in neutral when I started this but it seems to be in forward now. Please help.

 

[99yam40]

I hate to say it, but to line up the parts properly, you will need to pull the lower apart.
look in your service manual to make sure

 

[ANTI-]

I hate to say it, but to line up the parts properly, you will need to pull the lower apart.
look in your service manual to make sure

Yeah, I was afraid this is what would have to happen. I will have to have someone else look at it, pretty sure that is beyond my scope. Sadly, I really can't afford it though....Life goes on. Thanks for the reply though.