i am just about done with my t5 rebuild. i have all 5 gears and reverse in place. the tail housing and top cover are still off. i'm concerned about the 5th/reverse shift lever. should it be real hard to try and move by hand? and when i do get it into reverse it wants to slip out of gear when you start spinning the clutch shaft. is this normal with that spring on it or should it lock into place.

It'll stay in gear once you get the tailshaft on, and put the 'block' on the end of the shift rod. The 5/reverse rod needs to move straight back and forth, which is difficult when the tail end isn't supported by the tailshaft housing.
The top cover is a royal PITA to get in place. Good luck.

Pete

thanks pete i know i put the damn thing together right. i took my time, it kind of seemed like it should be that way but i wasnt sure. the PITA so far has been tryin to get the fifth synchronizer and fork on together. man i almost started throwing wrenches.