Mercury 150 four stroke impeller change need advice

[Kazusmc]

model # 1150F23HD 2015 Mercury 150 4 stroke
serial # 2B130092
I’m in the process of changing water pump impeller and housing ,and when I went to reinstall the gear-case I’m having a hell of a time getting the shorter gear shaft to engage the spline . I had no problem getting the longer drive shaft to engage by turning the flywheel. But the short gear shaft is kicking my ass . I have a mercury manual and did everything as instructed but just can’t get it . Can someone offer some advice or a trick to help me out?
Thanks

[EuropeanAM]

MAYBE a thin pair of needle-nose to help guide the long shift shaft.

Sometimes it's easiest to just pull the lower cowling... but I've had good luck with needle-nose if you can get in there between the swivel shaft and gearcase.

[rickdb1]

MAYBE a thin pair of needle-nose to help guide the long shift shaft.

Sometimes it's easiest to just pull the lower cowling... but I've had good luck with needle-nose if you can get in there between the swivel shaft and gearcase.

Exactly what I used and worked perfect...