Spider Gears

[old51sedan]

Just got truck (1969) back from bodyshop, decided to change rear axle from 6 to 5 lug. Pulled the rear cover, removed bolt and center pin, removed C clips, removed both axles, installed new axles, installed C clips, installed pin, and as I started to put bolt back in one of the spider gears fell out. It happens to be the one on the bottom where the bolt goes. I'm not sure, but I believe I have to remove the C clips and pull the axles back a little, but how do I keep the top one from falling out as I rotate the bottom one in. Am I missing something?

[Mike C]

You rotate them both in simultaneously. Can be a little bit of a contortionist drill with the diff installed. Make sure the thrust washers are in place as well.

[old51sedan]

So your saying I need to pull axles back, remove top gear, then work both of them back in together?

[Mike C]

yes. It would be easier with some help. One person on each axle and you in the middle. You can hold the spiders and their washers while they rotate the axles together which should then spin the spider gears back in. Make sure the washers are on top of each gear.