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Guess I didn't mention the vehicle is a 59 1/2 ton.
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It's not that. My memory is getting old and I forgot the 55-59 axle was C-clip / removable diff hybrid.
The older axle, and the Ford 9", don't use C clips. The axle bearing is pressed on the axle and the axle plus bearing are then installed in the housing as a unit. A flange is bolted to the axle outboard of the bearing to retain the assembly. In addition to the bearing, a small ring is pressed onto the axle shaft to help maintain axle position. The small ring is sometimes known as a wedding band. If curious, look up something like rebuild ford 9" axle for more info.
The service manual mentions an axle retainer positioned between the bearing and seal. Is this in place? Possibly the lips of the seal are getting wedged in the bearing if this is missing? Check the seal for damage and clues. Another suggestion is that the bearing is getting cocked in the housing somehow. Try partially installig the bearing then installing the axle.
Those old stamped tubes could bend fairly easily. How hard did the axles come out? Any signs of damage where a bearing wore into an axle? Are there marks in the axle housing that might indicate the old bearings were installed at an angle (this could indicate the tube is bent).