Tail shaft problem

[Fatal_Snake]

Went to go put my tail shaft on and it leaves about a quarter inch gap when sliding it on. What could be the problem? I checked the 5/6th shaft and it is sliding into its place.

 

[fastback brian]

there are four things that sit in the tail,, the counter shaft, output shaft, shift rail and 5/6 shift rail.. how do the gears look? they should mesh and line up.. what you do to the trans...???