Reverse 5th gear external adjustment

[blockhead]

New to the forum. I've lurked for a while to help with work on my 91 Ranger 4.0 4x4. I just installed my rebuilt M50D-R1. Shortly after installing it I noticed the counter assembly holding bolt lever that attaches to the reverse/5th fork (I think). There was no bolt holding it in place (see picture) so naturally I reached up and twisted it. It is free to rotate. Since goofing with it I have had difficulty putting it in reverse. Sometimes it won't slip into the reverse "slot" at all, and when it does gears grind when I let off the clutch. It will engage and stay in reverse if I hold the shift lever down with force. I've never dealt with the inside of a transmission before and don't have any insight as to what is happening. Is there a proper way to adjust this lever? Will adjusting it clear up the reverse issue?

Also, there is a bracket just above and to the rear of the lever that I cannot figure out what it should hold (picture). I was obviously in too much of a hurry when I took it apart and didn't record what was there. Can anyone provide any direction as to what should be there?

Thank you in advanced.

 

[adsm08]

It isn't an adjustment. That shaft going through it is part of the 5/R fork assembly. I can't remember exactly what it is for off the top of my head. The shaft has an o-ring seal on it, the plate you messed with is to retain the shaft and keep it from falling in/out of the transmission.

The bracket looks to be for a vent tube of some sort.

 

[Josh B]

That bracket holds the (missing) vent hose from the transfer case, The rubber hose just slips into the notch

 

[blockhead]

Thanks! It looks like there was a bolt through the plate at some point. I guess I’ll thread a small bolt through there and see how it behaves.

I’ll also put a new vent tube in.

 

[blockhead]

I just found a bolt that fit and put the plate in place. All seems to be working properly again. Classic case of overthinking things.
I also put a vent tube on. Thanks again!