2000 Yamaha 30hp Shift rod came out

[jedivince]

I was doing some maintenance(water pump) and shift rod seal/boot replacement. and I accidentally pulled the shift rod out of the assembly. Is there a way to get it back in properly? If it means I need to disassemble whole gear case I will do that but I was hoping there is a way to get it back in properly without doing that.

[boats.net]

May be able to push it back down.

[rodbolt17]

only way to reinsert that shaft is by removing the propshaft.
once the rod is removed the shift clutch drive pin springs fwd.
not fun but not bad either.