Installing transfercase linkage?

I'm trying to figure out if I need to drop the crossmember to get the shaft for the transfercase linkage into the bracket on the body? Seems too long for any other way - it hits the transmission (an AX15). This is on an '89 by the way.

So what is the proper way to install it? Before you raise the transmission? That'd seem pretty dumb to me. The whole linkage is disconnected (did a tranny & t-case swap) and I need it back on, just trying to figure out how. Any input?

Anyone know? What I mean is this shaft/bracket here: (not my photo)

I've taken it out and replace bushings etc, with the crossmember in. (Actually with my TnT skid on and thats way bigger the the stock x-member) You just have to mess with it and get it in the right spots to slip it in.