I'm a couple mm away from being able to put the snap ring on once I installed the spacer at the end of the Front CV axle once the knuckle is reinstalled. What am I doing wrong? I followed the FSM and did everything in order but it just won't fit.

 

What year truck? Did you put new CV's on? Maybe this is your problem: https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116.../#post51609695

 

That's basically what I was going to ask. What's different now, parts wise? Anything?

They can be a PITA though too. You almost need somebody to push on it from the inside, so you concentrate on getting that stupid snap-ring on with your own two hands.

Fun job huh?

 

i always put the gold end bold on the cv and used a screwdriver or channel locks to pull the axle while i try push the snap ring into place.

 

I had the same problem installing new cv"s on my 88 pickup. I ended up making a tool out of a flat piece of bar stock.

I made a shallow U shape with a 90 degree bend on each end of the U. I drilled a hole in the center of the U for the gold bolt on the end of the cv axle. I put nuts on 2 of the hub flange studs to keep from damaging their threads.

Install the gold bolt through the hole in the U into the end of the cv axle and set the ends on the nuts. Now tighten the gold bolt until you pull the cv far enough into the hub to install the snapring. I didn't have to pull it very far but I just could not get it without the tool.

I did this 4000 miles ago and everything is still good.

Sorry I don't have a pic of the tool but it's too late to go out the the garage.

 

This worked for me. I stuck the retaining bolt and nut in the end of the spindle and reefed on that with a claw hammer until I had clearance to push the snap ring into the slot.

 

I have the same problem, and have tried every possible way to get it in, but havent been able to, even with yanking on it with a claw hammer. It was like that when I bought the truck, and Im thinking the PO had the wrong axle in there to begin with. I dont know.

 

87-95 CV axles are all the same. It's the seals that are different and if you have non matching seals, it isn't going to work. You can't put a new seal CV onto an older truck. Not sure when they changed the seal designs, but the older designs are NOT available via OEM dealers. You must get at the very least the new knuckle side seals. If not both Knuckle side and CV side seals. I don't know if the NEW CV's from say autozone etc come with the CV side seal or not. I never bought one. Or.... you modify the knuckle side seal as MudHippy did to gain the clearance to get the cv in far enough to get the c-clip on.

Read the above mentioned link I provided, it explains it in great detail.