If anyone has intimate knowledge about a Honda 8, I could sure use some help

[Quickstep192]

I pulled the lower unit from my Honda 8 to change the impeller. Now I can't figure out how to get the darn thing back together. I have the repair manual, but it doesn't address the issue I'm having. I got the water pump back together fine, but there's a seal with an o-ring that seals where the shifter shaft enters the lower unit and I can't figure out how to get that back in place. When I mate the lower unit, that seal is no longer accessible. I'm thinking that has to go in first, but I can't see how. It looks like maybe the shift rod needs to be disconnected at the top, but I'm a little reluctant to do that for fear I might not be able to get it back together. If anyone knows about these motors, please post a reply, send a PM, shoot up a flare....... anything!!!

[mdbee]

After a Honda dealer screwed mine up, I tackled it myself. It was a bit of a bitch but it can be done. It's a bit complicated, I'll send you a PM. Really sucks the manual doeasn't help much.