torque converter won't go in 2001

Changing the engine out in 2001 Ranger with automatic transmission and can't get the torque converter to go in all the way. Tranny man said to hit it with a #3 sledge, didn't work. Any suggestions?

I've always had the incllination to use the big hammer. Something is hanging it up. Think about it for a while. A solution will come to mind. Maybe the intake shaft of the transmission is too long to fit in the converter.