Clutch rod for Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower model# 917270810

To whom it may concern:

I am trying to help my dad put his mower deck back together. Last week, he went out to mow and right as he finished mowing he noticed the idler pulley had come off the shaft and was laying on the deck. So, he ordered a new pulley and got that installed just fine. However, we are having difficulty putting the clutch rod back in place. The clutch rod is referenced as diagram #43 on the Sears parts diagram. Are there any tricks to putting this clutch rod back in place? Pretty sure we know where it goes. The back portion of the clutch rod goes on the bracket at the rear of the deck and the front portion of the clutch rod goes into a small hole by the idler pulley. But we are finding it very difficult to get it to fit at both locations. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much!!