Oil leak at shift support

[Mark Killar]

I recently removed the shift support at the tranny from my 73 914 to fix a leaking shaft seal and replace the associated nylon bushings. After removing the support assembly I read in George Hussey's Tech Tips that the reverse light switch and plunger should be removed before removing the shift support unit. He also said to put the tranny in 5th before removing.
My problem: I didn't and now I'm wondering if I've created a major problem.

Before removing the support I positioned the shift ball arm perpendicular to the long axis of the tranny (basically pointing straight up and aligned with a boss cast in the support so I would remember where it was). I then removed the shift support without any noticable problems. Once removed I looked inside the tranny and it appeared that in that position a slot was created that the shift fingers could pass through to allow removal of the shift support unit.
I'm wondering whether it's necessary to now remove the reverse switch and plunger or if I should just bolt it back up as I removed it. I'm not really sure what gear I'm in because I also have the shifter out to work on some surface rust in the tunnel and I don't know what 5th would look like inside the tranny.
(Wayne, I also ran this one by Dave Darling who suggested to run it by you.)