Doing a tranny swap, already got a new tranny in and passenger side CV axle replaced. But on the driver side, I cannot get the ball joint seated on the lower control arm once I put in the axle (along with the connected intermediate shaft). I slide the axle all the way into the tranny, the intermediate shaft brace bolts in just like it should, and then I cannot move the hub enough to fit the ball joint into place. It fits fine if I try it without the axle in place.

The axle is slid all the way in, and has been compressed as much as it will allow. I did have a local shop replace the outer CV boot, since I ruptured that on removal, but I dont see how that would factor in here. Why isnt this thing fitting?

 

Verify you have the correct axle to match your chassis / engine combo, and verify that you have the correct "side" axle (driver / passenger). There are subtle differences in axle lengths between some models.

 

Its the same axle that came out of the car, and definitely the correct side, as it is still connected to the intermediate shaft.

 

Possible the inboard tripod bearing was separated from the cup and is no longer aligned correctly to plunge back into the cup. Should be able to massage the bearings back into the cup without taking the boot off.