Lower unit

[Reckless]

 Replaced water pump no problem. Putting lower unit back on gets within 3/8 of an inch and thats it. Shift shaft is lined up, drive shaft too. I don't want to pull it in with the bolts. Thinking the shift shaft got out of alignement if thats possible. I have done this before with no problem.
Any help would be appreciated!! 

[Hunter 2]

Maybe the shaft has to be rotated a bit to seat in the gear a little more. Although I'm no expert

[wb]

I do mine in neutral. This way the driveshaft is not likely to turn when you inadvertently hit the prop, cutting your hand. If the LU or the shift shaft come out of neutral before the LU goes back on then it's a problem.

don't use the bolts to pull it in; make sure the pin is in place correctly, the splines on the driveshaft are clean but lightly greased, then try rotating the driveshaft slightly to align splines while raising the LU. If not, figure out the mismatch between the LU gear and the shift shaft and fix that.

Should slide in with honeymoon fit.  

[Reckless]

I am pretty sure its the shift shaft but but how to get  lined up again?? Maybe if I shift back in fourth from neutral to forward or reverse it would do something??