The Nissan Path

I'm replacing the switch on a 96 4x4 auto.. I started with the truck in park, switch arm was in left position... i had to turn it to the right position to remove it.. New switch is in, but the arm only goes back half way..

Is this ok, can I get it back in place with the shifter? The part was expencive, and took forever to get to me so I don't want to break it.

Thanks for looking guys!
Ryan

i also wanted to add that the switch would go into the correct position before it was installed, just seems like something is binding. im also out of state trying to get back home so all i have for pics is a cell phone, but its tucked between the exhaust and trans so i would need to remove it to really get a good pic.