trouble installing 8 3/4 diff axles

[cult colt]

I have a '69 A108 van with a 8 3/4 diff. I replaced the bearings, seals and gaskets. I installed the left axle with no problem and tightened the nuts that hold the retainer on. When I went to the right side ( the one with the adjustable retainer) The axle won't go all the way in. It wont go in the last 1/2" or so.It seems to encounter something solid that wont let it go in any farther. The flange studs will just enter the holes on the retainer but not enough to start the threads on the nuts. The inner seals are in the housing bottomed out in the bores. It's not a limited slip diff. I'm using original equipment tapered bearings. I tapped very gently on the end of the axle to see if it would slip in but obviously not very hard out of concern for damage. Is the thrust block something that is only found on the limited slip diff? Any ideas? Thanks for your advice.

 

[SGBARRACUDA]

I've never seen this problem with a open differential. Was this rear together before with all the same parts? I mean same axles,same carrier,housing, etc?

 

[AJ/FormS]

I would pull the axle out and shine a powerful lite down in there. I know you said it is not a SureGrip, but what if is, just worn out. The 69 and older clutch-type has buttons that occasionally fall out and make big trouble. The cone type can rotate the cone out of alignment with the side gear and make a little trouble.

 

[ir3333]

i have seen this...
Try this....turn 1/8" or so and persuade it with a hammer (not too hard)
and then another 1/8th..tap tap and then another 1/8th..tap..tap....etc
it may take a bit of time but they usually slide in.

 

[mguner]

You may want to dress the splines on the axle with a wire wheel. Sometimes the sharp edges will catch.

 

[Daves69]

you may want to dress the splines on the axle with a wire wheel. Sometimes the sharp edges will catch.

x2

 

[mycuda]

I would do what was suggested above, also tighten adjuster ring all the way in/out
and try it.

D

 

[mguner]

And just to make absolutely sure peek in there with a bright light and affirm there is not a 3/8 fine thread nut sitting inside the spider gear.... ;)

 

[cult colt]

I finally got it back together. The problem was that the new right side bearing was a tighter fit in the bore.Everything came apart so easily that I was reluctant to use too much force to get it back in there. The left side went in with no resistance and I've destroyed a few parts using excessive force in the past by either pounding or torquing on threads to pull things into place. I finally used grease in the bore, light tapping and tightening the retainer nuts. Thanks to everyone for your advice.