rear axles

[motocyclemech]

I have a 94 4runner, 2wd, auto. I rebuilt my differential and replaced the rear wheel bearings. For some reason the axles don't want to go back into the spines of the differential. Is there some trick to get them fully seated in?

 

[Robmills72]

Put it in N and spin the shaft until it does the trick.

 

[Boomer8404]

There is a trick to it.

1. Getting the axle in line with the hole in the of the carrier and,
2. Lining up the splines.

All of this which can be a pain because there's not much to hold on to on the outside of the housing while getting it all to line up. I've been there before, so I know your pain. What worked for me was little movements on the axle to find the hole, while slightly rotating it to align the splines to get it all together. Good luck.

 

[KidVermicious]

A third hand to spin the pinion input flange can help. I once had to unbolt the third and had somebody wiggle it in order to get the axle to line up with the carrier.

You'll get it in there though. There's nothing stopping it but getting it lined up right.

 

[fourwd1]

While you are trying to line it up and sliding it in and out, do not let the weight of the axle shaft rest on the seal, or you'll replacing that in a few months.