I have just completed the replacement of the Axle Seals, Bearings & Retainer Collar on both Rear Axles.
No problem re-inserting the Passenger side Axle.
But as far as the Drivers Side, the spline side of the Axle seems to be hitting something. No matter how you angle or turn it. The Bearing along with the Retaing Collar is still about 1" to 2" from the entrance Axle Tube. Do I need to remove the Diff. Cover & align gears?

 

No secret formula here cept some patience to line the splines up. Did you grease the spline end to help it slide in easier? I don't think that removing the diff cover is going to help much here. long shaft and no guides on those rears so it's just a matter of getting things lined up and then pushed in. Are those aftermarket shafts going into a factory carrier and maybe the fitment is just a touch tighter? I've had a setup before where it was pretty dang hard to get that rear shaft out.