99' Mercury 50hp Bigfoot, Not getting clear shifting

[frustratedboater]

I have a 99' Mercury 50hp Bigfoot, 4-stroke lower unit that will not engage into forward gear, infact neutral is not happening and it clicks as i spin the prop with the unit installed. I removed the unit and pulled the prop shaft hub out and the shift rod and cam are looking good. I can see the three positions where the front pin belongs. That large pin sticks out about 1/2 inch.. I did not disassemble clutch dog (?) to remove the large spring (I saw that in a picture of that). Should I assume that the spring is not at its full 'strength' or life? Is there a way to check if this is the issue to why my gear shifting is not accurate and that dog is not traveling correctly? I really do not want to throw parts at it. I appreciate it