8 3/4 axle shaft won't go back in.

I just took out the driver side axle to change a seal I didn't drive in straight last fall. I pack the bearing with grease and go to put the shaft back in and it won't go all the way. The retainer starts to go over the 5 studs but still has about 1/4 inch more to go and it's solid, won't budge any more. I looked inside with a flashlight and everything looks normal. It's a 742 case SG and the splines seemed to be lined up and the thrust button appears to be in place, so I'm not sure what's going on. I haven't tried yet but should I slack of the adjuster on the axle or should it go back as-is??

I tried slacking the adjuster and moving the axle out a little and it didn't help any. I REALLY don't wanna have to pull the center section today....

Ohh crap, degauevue (spelling?). I'm having the EXACT same issue. 489 case, 4.11s. I just had the ring and pinion replaced last weekend. The driver's side axle went back in without a problem, but the passenger side binds. Splines look to be lined up correctly as well. When I finally got the axle back out you could see on the axle splines how far it went it, with about a 1/4" left. The insides of the spline was shiny. I'm stumped.

Use a larger hammer. No Kidding!!! If it cam out and you didn't change anything but the seal it has to go back in. Make sure that the spacer didn't fall out if it is a sure grip.
http://www.moparts.org/Tech/Archive/axle/12.html

Quote:

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Use a larger hammer. No Kidding!!! If it cam out and you didn't change anything but the seal it has to go back in. Make sure that the spacer didn't fall out if it is a sure grip.
http://www.moparts.org/Tech/Archive/axle/12.html

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Yeah, turns out I didn't have the new seal in far enough. I thought it was against the "step" but I guess not. I haven't had much luck with these things. I took the axle in and out a few times trying to figure out what was wrong, so I probably have this new one all tore up too..