Hewland gearbox question ******

I have an fm. The seal where the shift selector shaft (hockey stick) goes into the "inner rear cover" was leaking. So, ordered the "shift selector seal kit" from taylor..... Supposed to be for all mk. Boxes with 5/8" shift. Took the old seal out and placed the ring around the shaft and noticed that if i tried to drill the 3 (6-32) holes, i'd be drilling halfway into the seat for the old seal (something must be wrong). Also the inner rubber seal that came with the kit seemed a little weak and small (not in diameter, but like it might go into a shallower seat or recess. Not sure what to do (i will call a taylor tech and have emailed moses) but, any other ideas would be welcome. I'm at the point of using the standard seal as the interior, drilling as much of an angle as i can (it would be deep enough because the screws are long enough) and screwing on the outer ring which comes with it's own seal. ........... Has anyone dealt with this issue/problem....... Or familiar with the "seal kit"??? :(

Hewland gearbox question ******