SO this morning when i was at a light i was shifing down gear to get to first when i feel my shift linkage bend(oh great) now im having issues putting it into 1st. My question is when replacing my linkage do the plines just line up or is there a specific way to line it up?

 

Slide the lever back onto the splines so that the resting position is in a location that makes it easiest for you to shift. As you've seen, there are many ways it can fit onto that shaft.