97 c80 finding neutral in lower unit shift rod

[highvoltage]

I have a 97 c80 that i have had grinding in reverse problems. I pulled the shaft and the gears and clutch dog seems to have little wear. It is looking like the plunger has some wear and is rounded but need a new one to compare. This is my first time pulling a lower unit so i am not familiar with them and what to look for. My book said to pull the shifting mechanism first before pulling the guts out of it so i did. After pulling it my shifter is splined at both ends and the shifting mechanism looks like a one piece unit that has different ramps. The ramp makes contact with the plunger that pushes the clutch dog. When i put it back together how am i supposed to know where the shifting mechanism is supposed to be set when i spline it back together? Any help with diagnosing what the problem is or how to set the shifting ramp when i put it together would be appreciated.
I have had my lower unit at 2 dif shops for over 3 months and nobody touched it so i figured i would try it. Looks like its the only way to get it fixed.
Thanks for the help!!!!

[marinermikes]

You need to make sure that the lower is in neutral. You will need to use a pair of pliers or vice grips to turn the splined shaft. Be careful not to damage the splines. Turn the shaft until it's in neutral. You will know it's in when you can turn the prop freely in both directions. Also make sure the shift mechanism on the motor is in neutral when you put it bacl together.

[highvoltage]

Thanks, thats right i have it all apart. Is the plunger a pretty common wear item because that looks like its worn down on mine. Its hard to tell for me because i have never had one apart before. Where the clutch dog makes contact with the reverse gear it is slightly rounded at the very top. It looks like if the plunger is rounded it would make the clutch dog make poor contact with the reverse gear correct? It looks like the reverse gear and clutch dog were only making contact by about 1/8 inch

[boats.net]

If any doubt replace gear, clutch dog and shift cam, read the manual for correct way to install clutch dog and shift cam.