97 mercury 150 lower unit

[bakers_120]

So I have a 97 150 mercury that I replaced the impeller on. Took 5 min to pull and 5 to replace impeller, however it has been a week and I still can't get the lower unit back in. It stops about 2 inches away and found out the water tube wasn't lining up so got that straight and now it stops 1/2 an inch away. It is in gear and I can get it pushed in enough that I can feel the drive shaft line up and when I turn the prop the flywheel turns. I still lack a little bit until the shift gear touches shift rod but it will not for the life of me go in. I hate having to ask for help but im on my last bit of hair before I'm bald over this thing, somebody please help.

 

[johnnygjr]

Now it stops 1/2 an inch away,Is that after installing bolts and tighten them.Was water tube bent?Grease applied to top of driveshaft?

 

[bakers_120]

studs dont pass through far enough for the threads to grab. no water tube was straight. and yes grease applied to both driveshaft and shift gear.