I'm doing my stator replacement myself. When I took the front bezel gear housing off the front spline was stuck. It was dry and had surface rust. In taking the housing off the shaft more or less pulled out of the housing. Having looked over some of the other rear spline threads, am I to understand that I HAVE to pull the rear to get the spline to go back in correctly? Something about a spring?

Yes there is a spring on the end of the final drive unit. I just lubed mine today so here is a picture.
http://www.vn750.com/photopost/data/505/medium/IMG_7167.jpg

Thanks I was going to remove the rear and check anyway. Just wanted to know for future reference. Besides this could be useful info for others. I can only hope mine look as good.