[cas3]

not sure what you mean by "thin washer plates at each end". there should be one thin washer at the back next to the bearing, oil baffle its called, it fits thru the case. first gear should slide to allow you to drive the shaft and bearing to the rear, or not be a problem if trying to drive the shaft to the front. there was another thin baffle on the front bearing, which you have out? and the only other thin things are the thrust washers which were, and still should be, on each end of the cluster gear now laying on the bottom. it is possible with all this violence that they have become loose, but should just fall out i would think and you would see the loose parts. you may get some bounce if you are set up on soft wood. got any hardwood 4x4's ? i would set the back of the case on two 4x4's and try to drive it out the back, then clean it up and drive out the front to remove it. has it moved at all?