8 3/4 axle won't go in

[srpntlair1]

changed out third member on my rear. driver side axle went in fine, adjuster side won't seat. it's about 1/2 inch short of going all the way in. is something in the housing out of align or am i missing something simple

[John_Kunkel]

If the center section is Sure-Grip you probably have the internal axle splines misaligned. Pull the axle and look down the housing with a strong light, you might see the misalignment; not uncommon.

If that's the problem, hook up the driveshaft, put the shifter in Park, install the axle as far as it will go and use a long prybar to turn the axle while pushing inward. The clutches in the Sure-Grip should slip enough to allow the splines to line up.

[charger72]

i have also seen little plug thingys inside the centersection come loose not making the axle slide in all the way. you will need a light to check.

[Chatt69chgr]

I believe those would be the thrust buttons used on suregrip differentials.  I don't believe I recall them being used on open differentials.  I can see how they could be pulled back out if the axle was pushed in and then pulled back if there was oil or grease on the end of the axle or the surface of the thrust button.  I have wondered how the best way is to assemble rearends utilizing these.  I guess some wheel bearing grease would hold them in place during the assembly process.

[Steve P.]

Thanks to some of the guys here I learned quickly about the thrust button.

1) If you are using GREEN BEARINGS the thrust button comes out. This is done while the pig is on the bench.
The button is much like the buttons on your shirt and are held in place with sort of a rivet or dowel pin.  Looking through the axle hole from each side you will notice that one side is all flat and from the other side it has a round hole in it. A very long prick punch into that hole and a few taps with a small hammer will push the pin and the other side of the button out. Now just remove both halves with a magnet. Cake....

2) like was explained earlier, it is easy to spin the spline inside the pig. Doesn't always happen, but it happens.

Easy fix. Drive shaft in. Park or 4th gear. put the tier on the side that did go in and set it down on the ground. Slide the uncooperative axle in as far as it will go, (WITHOUT A HAMMER), and turn the axle either way using a pinch bar between 2 lugs. Push the axle inward as you are slightly turning the axle.  You won't have to turn it far and it will drop right in...

3) DON'T forget new axle lube and friction lube...

[Chatt69chgr]

Thanks for explaining about the "Green Bearings" Steve P.  I forgot about those since I am using the original tapered bearings.