New Axle Shafts question

[lightsout]

i R&R'd the right axle shaft assembly with few problems. the only problems i had were because i couldn't get my hand to the axle support bracket bolts to remove them, so i snaked my socket wrench with elbows from the left side of the crossmember over to the bolts it slipped right out! I installed the new one with the same method.

i removed the Left(driver side) axle assembly by following the Haynes Manual. I slipped it out from the spindle, and popped the assembly out from the transmission using a pry bar. I was unable to get the new axle assembly to snap back into place. I have a new EMPI axle assembly from EMPI. Do i NEED to used a piece of wood and a heavy hammer to hit the axle back into the transmission? The Haynes Manual doesn't say anything about needed to hit the axle in any way, but it does say, "install the axle assembly swiftly...". I tried that too, but it wont seat the snap ring.

HELP!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ok, so i took out the new axle and measured the input shaft that goes into the transmission. the stock input measurement is 3.25", and the new replacement EMPI shaft is 3.5". what the HELL do i do now??? send it back to the online distributor i bought it from, or call EMPI?

Modified by lightsout at 5:24 PM 9/19/2008
Modified by lightsout at 5:24 PM 9/19/2008

[SteveTheTech]

Sounds like you've got a bit of an issue there.

If you have the patience count the number of splines and make sure they are the same also I would measure the total length of the shafts and see if they are the same. Do they look the same? If the axles are the same a hammer and piece of wood may be required to set it. It is always a good idea to set the C clip with the opening facing upward before installing it, for some reason it seems to make installation easier.

[lightsout]

i am a MORON...i ordered the fricken Standard transmission driver side axle shaft, not the AUTO.

the driver side axle on our max's is .25" longer for the Manual transmission.

i think i was a bit when i ordered the part...hehe, eh.

o well, send it back and get the right one.