Problems after doing clutch job, 2000 2wd

Just did a preventative clutch job on 2000 2wd with about 200,000 miles. Replaced clutch assembly, pilot bearing, throwout bearing, and had flywheel turned. Didn't touch the slave or master cylinder or break any lines loose. Before starting it up, I noticed the transmission goes into all gear now without the clutch being pushed in. Ideas? Hate to crank it with it in gear already and clutch out. Slave cylinder is pushing the throwout bearing fork.

 

Won't hurt anything if it will slide into gear with the clutch out and not running. push clutch and knock it in neutral and bump it over a couple times. If everything sounds okay crank it. Then try to put it in gear easily. If you are worried it might grab and take off pull the ebrake. Also this should be in 1st gen section not 2nd gen.

 

Did you remove the shift tower from the transmission at the 4 bolt flange? If yes, does the shifter feel normal in that all gear positions hold in their detents as normal? If so, start it up, and give it a go. If it feels "off", pull the shift tower again, and see whats gone wrong.

 

Shouldn't have had to unbolt anything. The shifters will come out without being unbolted. At least on my 2000 3.4l 5sp they did. Push the ring down turn it a quarter turn and pull up.

 

I am not trying to be smart, but are you sure you did not put the clutch plate in backwards?