trans on 1.9 95 escort

im changeing the trans in my car and i car get it to go in all the way i dont think the splines are lining up i have about a inch and 1/2 to 2 inch gap any tick or hints???

Did you use a clutch alignment tool to make sure the clutch disc is lined up with the engine (pilot bearing?).

do i need to use it if i didnt change the clutch or mess with any thing on the motor i did a saturn and didnt need one all i changed was the trans