Joshc230

Hello everyone, been browsing for a while but need help. I replaced the flexplate on my 2003 c230 coupe due to some bent pieces messing up the crank sensor. Right now I'm having issues with getting the torque converter to engage all the way into the transmission so I can put the engine back in and together. When looking into the transmission bell housing there is 2 gears and a shaft sticking through the middle. Should that shaft retract to allow the converter to engage on the gears? By measuring it seems that's what the converter is getting stopped by.