Door Lock Issue
 

So Im installing the MGW interior parts to the "birthday stang" and I get to the door lock pins and the passenger side is easy as can be. I then get to the drivers side and when I unscrew the factory pin (which btw had been sitting lower than passenger side when in unlock position) the factory part is sitting quite a bit lower and pushed forward some. I can't seem to get the MGW pin to attach and screw on because of this. It's like there is an internal issue with the factory screw piece. I REALLY dont want to mess with taking the door off for something so trivial at this time (plus Im scared sh%%less to try and take the interior door panel off). I thought about taking some small needle nose pliers and trying to pull it up but with my luck that would screw things up even more. Any experience or thoughts here?
Thanks so much in advance.

I know you don't want to hear it, but I would suggest removing the door panel. I mean you could try just pulling up on it, but you risk breaking something, especially not knowing what the problem is and not being able to see anything. Then, if you break it, you have more parts to buy and you HAVE to take the panel off. You should not have too much trouble taking the panel off, just don't get too worked up. Take your time and don't force things. Then you will be able to see what is going on without going at it blindly and end up breaking something.

Scott