'87 XR2: Can't Install Gear Housing

[croSSed]

I pulled my gear housing off (lower unit) and can't get it re-installed. I'm following the factory manual, but no matter what I try it won't go in. Below are some pics of the manual section on reinstalling the gear housing. I'm not doing step 4. In removing it the manual tells you to put the motor into neutral, but then read what it says in step 6 when installing. That makes no sense to me. Why not just put it into forward when taking it off and leave it? Puzzling... So, what's happening is that I'm stuck between step 8 and 9. What am I doing wrong?

Sorry that the images are sideways. Another, "I tried everything" that didn't work. Story of my life...
Thank you!

[rgsauger]

Put the shifter in forward and the lower in forward and then twist the prop backward as you slide the driveshaft into the motor. Works for me every time.

Also shine a light up into your mid and make sure the seal has not turned and gotten jammed in the crankshaft

Good luck

[HStream1]

Do you have the water Pump guide tube to guide the Tube into the Pump seat? youll also need to guide by hand the shift shaft coupler onto the splines.

[croSSed]

Figured out the problem...The water pump tube came out with the gear case. I had to put the tube back in the mid section so that the guide tube could properly slide over it. All back together now! Thanks for the advice.