Getting the VC back onto the end of the centre diff?

[DrZiplok]

I'm trying to get my transmission back together, but I've been stymied close to the finishing post.

Specifically, I can't get the VC all the way back onto the end of the centre diff; it'll go on to the point where the smaller set of splines is *almost* through the VC, but no further.

I've pounded it with a big socket as a drift, and there's plenty of MTL on it to lubricate it.

What's the trick? What am I missing?

 

[DrZiplok]

For reference, the trick is to make sure that the centre shaft (which goes out to the transfer case) is lined up properly so that the ball bearing sits all the way in. You may need to push it around a bit with a screwdriver through the other BB hole.

Once it's lined up, the VC will go on with just hand force.