Got it - that's what I ended up with once it went in. I think my measurement description when eyeballing the 2 ends when not fully engaged were not accurate. Switch from TH 350 to Saginaw 4 speed was identical - same driveshaft length, same yoke.
So this is what happened. I cleaned up everything as Chief recommended. Called transmission rebuilder in Vermont (great guy by the way and super resource - "Old School 4 Speeds"). He said output shaft was true, not twisted. Bushing was pressed on with shop press and is tight when new. Said "they can take some force" to get it in the first time. Cleaned the outer yoke with fine emery cloth, oiled the outer and inner yoke surfaces, and it tapped right in with light rubber mallet from differential end. Relief ....
