[Healeys] Mating OD to gearbox

[Bob Spidell]

Folks,

I've successfully (hopefully) rebuilt and upgraded my OD and gearbox, 
but can't seem to get them to, uh, mate properly.  I had aligned the 
splines in the rear of the OD with my mainshaft before assembling the 
gearbox, but even then they didn't want to merge and, of course, after 
several tries the splines became misaligned (and I don't have a 
much-desired spare mainshaft).  I've done my best to get the splines 
aligned by prodding with a screwdriver but, even with them visibly 
aligned the two won't slip together. I tried dozens of test fittings, 
and got them to join one time, but didn't have the pump can or gasket 
installed, so that was for naught.  Any suggestions?

TIA,

Bob