i would disconnect the shift mechanism and manually shift it into M. then i would start it and drive it to see if it stays in gear. if it slips out then i would look into the shift fork. if it stays then i would adjust the linkage.
If it's the shift fork, then there s a short video on how to access and fix it in the "sticky" section titled ( Index to some popular and useful threads ) at the top of the forum threads. It shows a bit of the linkage too.
one of the links follows..
i doubt you can bend it back most break but you can try. also could be the detent . the forks pull stright out from the top alonf with the shift assy. i think
It just seems like it's binding so that it can't slide back the last 1/4". I've used my borescope and can't see it hitting on anything....not sure what the deal is.
just go ahead and pull the shift fork assy and you will be able to identify if the problem is in the gears or the shift assy. you are only a few bolts away anyway.
the fork is held on to the rod with a roll pin or pin. can you remove the pin and slide the shaft to the rear while keeping the detent balls captive enough to lift out the fork?