Answer my own question--maybe it will help someone else
The shaft should be solid (maybe a small wiggle)...but about 2 5/8 inches in length. I pulled the trans stood it on it's tale and the toque converter dropped into place within about 4 revolutions (10 seconds)...after firghting with it for...
Problem installing torque converter--not my first time.
Question: The (nose) front shaft of the trans has 2 sets of splines--Should the smaller and outermost be solid or slide in and out? mine is solid and I can't get the toque converter to slip on...yeah, I've spent about 2 hrs going in...