Shifter wont go in to transmission 81 f100
 

Hi, I have a question about the transmission and shifter in my 1981 f100 2wd. The transmission is a RUG s-rod 3 sp with overdrive. I took the shifter out while the truck was in reverse and now I can't get it to go back in. I think that it has to be in neutral. Is there anyway to shift it without the shifter installed? Thanks