I did the same exact thing. The cable end didn't clip in and you pushed the shifter back into the recess in the outdrive. Pull the outdrive back off and get the clip out. It might be tricky to get the clip back out. It took me a little patience, but with some long nose pliers, I got it out. If it's too tough, pull the rear cap off the drive and push the linkage forward. The drive WILL go on easy the next time now that you forced the gimbal bearing to line up right. I feel your pain on this since I have been exactly where you are now.

Good luck and have patience grasshopper,

Rene

Thanks all... it was the clip... it did not secure around the top if that shifter pin. All is good fellas and I even got her running tonight!!! Man what a good way to end a ****ty weekend!!! It kinda made it all worth while!! Thanks fellas!

You may have bent the cable. If it shift's hard you may need to replace the cable from the drive up to the engine bracket. In the future when you install the drive, unhook that cable which is held in by a cotter pin.