keithly

I'm not sure what to do as I have successfully swapped the right side axle, but the left side is not seating in the tranny. I have taken it out, twisted, then re-tried inserting into the transmission (approx 20 times) and it stops short by about 1"-1 1/2". I will not hit it with a hammer as others have suggested...not gonna ruin perfectly good axles that way. I know the old clip is not left inside (it is still on the old axle) so I'm perplexed! It FEELS like it's bottoming out in the tranny (almost like the shaft is too long) but it is the same length as the old one. Anyone who can help, I'd greatly appreciate it!

gregp09

take a flashlight and look to see if you can see the other shaft, also see if there is anything stuck in the way of the shaft inside of the differential.

keithly

Greg - I'll try to get a mirror to see inside. What if I can see the end of the other shaft? Also, what could be stuck in the way?

MAD_MIKE

Make sure the circlip has the open end facing UP when you install it, also check that it is the same size as the old one. If it still does not install, try removing the circlip and see if the inner shaft is still hanging up.

keithly

Thanks for the suggestion...I'll try it with the opening facing up. I thought of removing the clip to see if that was what was getting hung up but didn't know if that would mess it up permanently...will I be able to put it back on if I take it off?

keithly

UPDATE - I took of the retainer clip and it slipped in fine. So it's obviously the clip keeping it from seating. I've tried positioning the clip so the opening was up, down, and any other direction with the same result as above. Any suggestions????????

djkurious

The retaining clip is there for a purpose to keep the axle seated in the tranny. Put it back on there! Just get some pliers and squeeze it just a little close before placing it on the axle!

poorman212

^....just don't mess up the splines....then stab that joker.

keithly

Ok...final outcome: TAPPED the end of the shaft LIGHTLY with a rubber mallet and it went in! Finally!

fsp 394

i normally have the same issue. it pops in as i "gently force" the shaft in.

Mike Honcho

Your tranny must be much younger than mine... afte18 years of marriage & it shitting out two kids there is no need to force anythu g in there. shaft pretty much sadly falls in once a year on its birthday

holmesnmanny

Best thing to do is to set it up there so the end is just inside the seal and barely into the input of the tranny and then put the bottom of your feet at the face of the shaft and give it a good push with the bottom of your foot.