NP205 Front Output Shaft

[Gregsenne]

I was going to replace the seal on the front output shaft of my 205, so I undid the 4 bolts around the seal housing, and took off that 1 1/8" nut holding the flange on. The flange wouldn't slide out like normal, so I used a puller and pulled it off.
Now when getting it back on, I can't get it far enough on by hand to start the nut on the thread. Still got 1/4 - 1/2" to go before I can get the nut on.

I don't want to hit it with a hammer, so what are my options?

Thanks