had to change axle seal on my 2001 Supercrew. Went like a textbook example until I got ready to put the axle back in. It won't come in far enough to get the c clip back in. The clip was a little tough to get out, but after a little wiggle it came. Now I want it back and it won't go.

The gears the axle passes through seem like there is a spring behind them. Is there a tool to push it outboard? I have tapped on the axle and it seems to be as far inboard as it will go.

thanks for any help

 

You may have to keep pressure on the axle. Have someone push it in while you install the c-clip. Good luck.

 

it's always the simple things.....

there is a raised boss that is part of the emergency brake. If you install the axle with a stud at the 12 oclock position, the back of the stud hits this boss and stops the axle 1/4 inch sooner than if you turn it a few degrees. This is enough to keep the c-clip from going in.

this is not something you see from under the truck staring at the differential. remember when going over your steps, go all the way back to step one to review.

 

Stuff like that happens to everybody...

 

well i was just dealing with this problem yesterday!!

 

Same thing happend to me about 4 months ago except it was getting the c-clip out. First one came out perfectly fine, then spent a good two hours on the next one only to find out it was the parking break.