jumps when trying to put in forward

1996 70 hp outboard - runs great, but had to take the remote control unit apart to fix wiring. I must not have gotten the cables properly aligned when putting it back together since it jumped when I put it into forward gear and accelerated. Now I have taken the RCU apart and put it together properly (with manual) and it is very hard to get in to forward gear - grinds and if it does engage, it jumps badly. Reverse works perfect. I am guessing I broke some teeth on the forward gear. All help would be appreciated - out of work, trying to get this pontoon board in shape to sell, and can't afford to take it to a repair shop.

[boats.net]

Take control box apart and check everthing carefully, may still have something installed wrong.