'69 Lo Boy 154 Shift Lever Issue

[deadwoodspecial@gmail.com]

recently I picked up a 154, and just yesterday replaced the shift forks. Reassembled the shift lever cover and all works great! .... With the exception of the shift lever seems to be missing the top of the 1/R reverse fork. Nothing has been changed on the cover/ housing with the exception of a new gasket. The ball is severely worn, but I have a hard time believing ours worn so bad to where it won't grab that fork. Especially when it picks up 2/3rd just fine. Any input?

[Jim Becker]

Just guessing, are you sure you had both forks positioned in neutral before you put the cover back on?

[deadwoodspecial@gmail.com]

Yessir, I do. I have photos, but I'm not sure how to post them on here. Lol

[Don McCombs]

You said you replaced the forkS. Plural. Any chance that the 1/R fork is bent?

[deadwoodspecial@gmail.com]

I double and triple checked, it doesn't appear to be. Not saying it's not possible, but it's brand new, from hamilton Bob's. Seems to be in fantastic condition. The more I look at it, the more I believe the shift lever is plumb worn out.