1974 Mercury 200 (20HP) Lower unit Shift Rod alignment

[Salmonranger]

I was working on my lower unit and the Shift Rod came out. Now I am not able to get it back in right!! Is there any way to fix without taken apart the lower unit? Is this post right for what I need to do? http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=264376

Also I have a seal kit but I do not know how to get to the gear seal without getting a tool that cost a arm and leg.

Thank you.