Shift shaft linkage

[Taylorblack]

My 1970 mercruiser 120 after merging the lower unit to the upper unit the shift shaft will not ride high enough to catch the linkage trough I see no Spring in the exploded view of the area can anybody assist me in this

 

[kenny nunez]

You left out the stainless steel washer that fits over the shift shaft bushing.
It is probably still on the work table or under it.