The dreaded HM290 !!!

[TLP3]

I am working on a second gen HM290. I have it sitting in the back half upright . It does not seem to have a Neutral . When I shift into 5th or reverse it locks up withing a half a turn. When in neutral I have checked the positions of the coupling sleeves and they are in what's supposed to be the neutral position. Any Ideas fellas??? Maybe the position of being upright is causing binding in neutral?? Maybe the bearing in the back of the cluster needs to be flipped around?? Any help would be appreciated.