Axel won’t go in

[Robin]

I replaced the axel seals on my 72 k20 (1978 14 bolt rear) and I can’t get the passenger side axel in the last 4 & 1/2 “, any ideas why?
Thanks

[jjzepplin]

Do you have the rear cover off? Spider gears may have moved on the other axle installation.

[truckster]

Definitely check the spiders. Also, when you're trying to insert it, the shaft is balancing on the outer bearing. Try moving the flange up and down while rotating it.

[57taskforce]

Originally Posted by truckster

Definitely check the spiders. Also, when you're trying to insert it, the shaft is balancing on the outer bearing. Try moving the flange up and down while rotating it.

This, if your 4.5 inches out I doubt you’ve gotten in far enough to be fighting the spider gears, sometimes it takes a little wiggling/rotating to get it back into the bearing.

[Robin]

Thanks, when you say check the spiders what should I look for and what should I do? I have zero knowledge of the working or a rear.
Thanks again.

[Killer Bee]

wiggle it up and down with your man hands, it should slip right in..

use the palms of your hands, fingers bent out and away and shove it home..

even full floaters this size go in the same way

good luck!

[Robin]

Thanks for the help, I stayed with it and my problem was I didn’t tilt the axel up high enough, (I think, I’m not pulling it out again to find out, haw), Thanks Again.

[57taskforce]

Originally Posted by Robin

Thanks for the help, I stayed with it and my problem was I didn’t tilt the axel up high enough, (I think, I’m not pulling it out again to find out, haw), Thanks Again.

Don’t worry we’ve all probably been there a time or two. Glad you got it back together.

[special-K]

Try spelling it "axle" and see if that helps