I have a 1992 120 hp v4. I just had it apart last weekend changing the waterpump. When i took the linkage apart I looked in there and figured out which way was at its highest point and lowest point. I shifted it to its lowest point removed the screw, then shifted to the highest point, which lifted the little holder off the end of the gear shaft. It only leaves about an inch of gear shaft coming up, when i put it back, just use the shifter to move the holder back down on gear shaft. I could be wrong??? but if it had the wrong shifter wouldnt it be 5" to long?? I would think if it is only a half in off, it is somekind of positioning adjustment.
Hope this helps!!!
Steve