Hoping someone can unravel this mystery about why my starter does not fit the RD1 assembly.

I have the Referenced the same instruction manual and re-ordered the correct starter which is for a 1988 non-turbo manual transmission.

Upon doing a dry fit of everything, the result is that the starter is too short to reach the ring gear, as pictured.

The counterweight is attached, followed by a ring gear from an automatic transmission, followed by 1/2” aluminum plate to which is mounted the machine part that mates to the redrive.

The starter pinion gear is about 3/4” short of reaching the ring gear, 

Totally stumped…

Thank you,

David Walker