Technical modern bendix problems

I recently ordered a new bendix for an an 8ba flathead, the place I ordered asked if I wanted a new modern style or the old style because they only sell the new style so that is what I got . When it came time to install on starter I could not figure out how in the world to get the screw at the back out . The screw that holds the bendix on the starter shaft is barely exposed, it sets under a rear washer on the bendix and it is about impossible to get it out unless you slip a pry bar between the rear washer and the collar that the screw fits in. I called the place I ordered it from and told them I was not familiar with this modern bendix . [ explained that I have changed bendixes on several vehicles in the last 46 years including the old style flathead and seversl others with zero problems but I did not want to man handle this one being I might be sending it back. He said generally you push the washer ( sure there is another name but I will use that to describe it) forward with a little bit of pressure. I told him there is no way.
I actually took it completely apart , a couple of snap rings is all that hold it together. What I found is at the back where I am suppose to push the washer forward there is another cupped piece that has a big rubber donut and it is that donut that allows a tiny bit of movement yet it is so dense and thick it holds the rear washer over the screw that you need to unscrew to install. I did some googling and found nothing about installation issues but plenty about other problems like lack of engagement which ended up chewing the ring gear on the flywheel and several post about them actually coming apart and causing other problems. I did some measuring and found that at full extention , the modern bendix is about 3/16 shorter that the old style ,
no wonder it fails to engage. I am sending it back but am curious if anyone has used one and did they have issues getting to that screw?

 

It couldn't hurt if maybe you added a couple photos of this contraption to this thread. I'm not familiar with this particular item and maybe another member here has figured out a way to use the new-style drive without brutalizing it. . . too much.

 

I put them on Model A starters and had no problem compressing them by hand to get to the screw. Snyders, and others, I'm sure also sell a clamping tool to do that.

Dave