rear axle re install

[AmadeusCharger500]

I have a long term project, 73 charger with 8 3/4 rear 742 case.
I had the rear totally rebuilt and together a long time back. The car has sat for several years, long project.
Long story short I had to change the brake support plates and removed both axles to do it.
Problem is I can't get the axles back completely. The splines engage on the differential but having trouble seating proper. There is about 1/2 inch of space and they simply will not go in any further, both sides. I did not switch anything except the backing plates.
There are no instructional videos discussing this problem and the factory manual says to simply tap with a rubber mallet to seat the bearing cups.

Thanks for any advice.

[John_Kunkel]

Look down the housing tube at the splines in the differential, there is an inner and an outer spline that often become misaligned. You can usually realign the splines by installing the axle shaft and turning it with a long bar while pushing in on the shaft. The yoke must be immobilized while doing this.

[AmadeusCharger500]

Thanks for that info and great pic! I did look into the housing shafts as you suggested and I saw that both sides of the thrust button had fallen apart and shifted position. I was able to pull them both out and found the pin and thrust button on one side were bent and unusable. I am going to guess they cam apart with the axle pulling out perhaps the grease sort of glued them to the end of the axles. I probable bent the one side when trying to reinstall the axle.
Anyway I guess I just need to get the new part.

I was looking elsewhere on the internet and found it might be possible to due without the thrust botton?

Thanks again!

Heath

[birdsandbees]

You must have that thrust button in if using the correct (OEM) tapered bearings. Not required if using straight rollers.