Bellows help!

Hi Everyone, I've been working through a complete transom service. Replacing all the Bellows, shift cable, senders, water hose....
Getting close to the end and have run in to something I wasn't expecting. I attached the u joint bellows to the transom and then pulled it through the bellhousing. Pulled through to the second recess on the boot because it looked right. Went to put the retaining ring on after coating the boot with some dish soap and it went on with little effort. Just pushed it on with the tool. Didn't have to hammer it on as I've seen on some. Anyone have a similar experience? I used all oem parts.

I had similar circumstances when I replaced mine this past spring.

I didn’t need to hammer it, a couple of light taps is all it needed.

I remember thinking the same after replacing mine. The seal is made with the interference fit when the leg is bolted on.

Mine actually popped out of place a couple of times as i was trying to install the drive. If I backed out the drive to try to align it better it would sometimes catch that ring. It all worked out in the end. Haven't put her in the water yet though. Fingers are crossed. I have a lot of time in to this repair. I hope I don't have to go back and do anything over again.