Yes, the forks should slide on the rods. The notches in the rods are engaged by spring-loaded balls. You might have to apply a little persuasion to get them to move. There will be a "neutral" notch that is engaged right now. Try clamping a piece of heavy angle iron into a big vise and bolting or c-clamping the cover to it so you can apply some leverage to the shift handle while you're tapping on the shift fork. Yes, the long fork is the reverse lever.
Jerry

"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!