Hi Christopher,
Honestly ?, this probably wasn't the best way, I would've done this somewhat different, but hey !, to each their own I always say.
I guess that vehicle manufacturers such as GM and Ford etc. build in a sequence so that it makes life easy for them to build as easy as possible without inflicting damage to the produced item nor injury to the assembler involved.
In this case the engine is the very last thing to install.
I always start with the rear roller as you want the chassis to be as manageable as possible and not have to manoeuvre a heavy weight around when doing roller adjustments.
So,..........................
Rear Roller
Sole Plate
Front Roller frame and roller
Reel and associated bits
Trans parts inside case
Transfer shaft and associated clutch parts
Assemble clutch body and slide onto engine PTO shaft loose
Engine and clutch onto the deck as one
Handle Bar and Deflector as a finishing touch
After that go through everything and adjust and tighten as required.
Hope that this gives you a bit of an insight as to why you're having so much of a tough time.
Cheers,
BB.
