Starter install help!

[fixkick]

this (8v is more easy)
http://www.fixkick.com/belts.html#starter

cheers, and happy holiday's

I'm trying to install a new starer in my 1994 two wheel drive 2 door, 8 valve Geo Tracker with automatic transmission. After an hour of pulling, pushing and giggling I got the old starter out but after two hours of trying I can't get the new starter back in. The new one is identical to the old one but I just can't muscle it into position. The old one finally came out under the car (with great difficulty) but the new one just won't go back in. Should it go in from the top??? There just doesn't seem to be enough room. What am I doing wrong? Should it be this difficult?