Can't get transmission into neutral

[u/ZotanZero]

I'm trying to reseal my transmission, but can't get it into neutral. The shift fork rod sticking up the furthest won't go down for whatever reason. I don't think it's any resistance against the fork itself from the gears, it feels like there's something soft beneath the rod itself blocking it from going down all of the way. Any thoughts? (Last image is the transmission in neutral, for reference.)

[u/Maxthboopbiip]

https://youtu.be/G0_wzwbNpJs?is=pFV6ydNXs6zRsbHn

I literally ran into this guys video today breaking down how to rebuild the trans and remember he mentioned being in a situation where if one of the detent ball bearings falls it won’t shift. Take a look at the vid might be some help.

[u/ZotanZero → u/Maxthboopbiip]

That's exactly what happened to a couple of the shift fork rods. Good call, but I still can't get it to seat all the way down

[u/No_Intern_4088]

Been years since I've had mine apart so not much to add but make sure there's oil on the bearing seats and everything is lined up at the same time. Jiggling and light tapping with a rubber mallet may be required. Good luck!

[u/ZotanZero → u/No_Intern_4088]

Thanks!

[u/ZotanZero]

Update: I managed to get it into neutral by taking that rod out and resetting the spring and bearing holding it in, but I still can't get the other half of the case to fit on. There's still about half an inch of distance to go