Transmission Help, I'm stuck

[tpls63]

I was taking apart a Ford 3 spd standard tranny from a 66 Bronco.
After removing the cover and draining the tranny I followed the directions in the shop manual and
I removed the the filler plug and knocked the roll pin out of the counter shaft and removed the counter shaft.
I removed the snap ring on the output shaft bearing and removed the bearing.
***I FORGOT TO PUT THE TWO SHIFT LEVERS IN NEUTRAL***
then I removed the set screw, detent spring and plug
I removed the set screw in the first/reverse shift fork
I can't get the first/reverse shift rail to slide out which is the next step I suppose because I didn't have the shift levers in neutral and now I put the shift fork set screw back in as well as the detent plug, spring and set screw but I can't get this shift lever into neutral, the 2/3 shift lever goes into neutral OK.

What can I do to get the 1/R shift rail out so I can finish taking the tranny apart?

I hope someone can help.
Thank you!

[Donnie]

Sounds like one of your detent's is in the wrong notch.. why not remove all screw on all locations, move whatever will move with out force
turn the trans over on it's back & gravity my help you....if you are working with a manual it will help you find out where the detents & springs go upon assy........Donnie.....good luck

[mmerlinn]

Play around with the shift shafts until you get them back in neutral. Don't worry whether the forks are in neutral or not at this point - Once the shafts are out you can line them up any way you want. The only critical thing is that the shift shafts are properly lined up before you proceed. Whatever you do, don't force anything. Then proceed as directed in your instructions.

[tpls63]

Dsc07537m.jpg

One of the tabs on the 2/3 synchro gear wasn't down all the way so it wouldn't shift. Once I found that and got it back in place the rest went easy. All done now, thanks for the input!