thanks for all the info guys,
so from what I cant tell, the inner shaft was not in place, requiring some tapping in on this shaft, shortened it up and solved the fitment problem. I do remember when I rebuilt it all marking its location, taking a part, blasting, painting, keeping track of this mark and I thought when I put it back together I had the line in place, but guess not.
thanks to all as it's in now, fits and functions correctly!