Model # E25QLEUR

I am only a bit mechanialy inclined and probably more ambitious than my skills allow.

Have searched these forums and could not find the solution to my problem, so here goes...

I just changed out the impeller on my 97 Evinrude 25hp.
When I put everything back together, forward is neutrel, and neutrel is reverse, and I cannot shift to the reverse position.

When taking the linkage apart, I did not know to not turn the lower bolt, but now believe I screwed it back in to its lowest position.
I've been playing around with it most of the day but cannot figure out what I did wrong. For now, I have adjust the shift cable all the way out. It makes it almost shiftable, but I know that is not the correct solution.

To note, I found that the new impeller fit was very tight, but it did pump strongly when I started it.

Please help!!!
Thanks