i realize the shift linkage needs to be altered when swapping the b16 into a crx, if the cut was too short or too long, would this make fifth gear grind and my reverse not work...it just started doing this so im really worried its in the transmission?

 

its very possible. also do you have a short shifter

 

either that or a bent shift fork r and 5th are the same shift fork.

 

just completely remove the shift linkage and put it in reverse manually by pushing or pulling on the piece that comes out of the tranny, and see if that does anything

 

You didnt use Aftermarket Shift linkage did you? You modded the ones you have.
to be very frank, you probly fucked up, and you should go get some aftermarket linkage.