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Hello.

I tried searching but didn't find anything. I've been rebuilding my 1954 M37. I pulled all the hubs and have done the seals and bearings. My issue is I went to put the driverside axle back in, and no matter what position, it won't go all the way in. Leaves about 1/4-1/8 gap. Tried putting some tension on with the nuts, but it still wouldn't go. All the other times I've had axles out they slide right in no problem. Any ideas?

Thanks.

Maybe you have a burr on one or more of the splines.

I put the nuts on and went around tightening each one a flat at a time, and it went in and sealed. All appears to be well, but time will tell.

I'd recommend further checking. Could be an issue within the differential. Very likely the side gear thrust washer could be gone; this lets slight misalignment take place causing the issue you described. Checking now may save you some high dollar problems down the road; logical explanations always exist, you just have to look far enough to find them. Could also be the axle shaft is bent. If it were a spline issue, you would readily see that.