Replacing front axle, doesn't feel fully seated

[Fejimush]

I picked up a 1997 Chevy Lumina that required front end work.  The passenger side axle needed to be replaced.  Otherwise it's in good condition.

 

The new axle has been reassembled.  Although the spline that enters the transmission doesn't "look" fully seated.  It doesn't rotate and feels connected to the transmission.

 

I should've taken a before and after picture to confirm.

 

I have little experience with W-body vehicles and could use some assistance.

 

Kindly,

Fej

 

 

[55trucker]

Where the seal is concerned that is not even close to being in all the way....

 

looks about 1/2" short of the mark.....

 

what is the part # of the axle you picked up?

 

when the right side axle is *in* the way it should lock into place...that's not W specific, that's a general standard for most axle shafts

[Galaxie500XL]

I seem to recall it takes a pretty firm push to get the axle to engage. 

[Imp558]

Study it and make sure it isn't keyed, (a wide spline)

[Fejimush]

Thanks folks for replying!   I really appreciate it.

 

Yeah, you're all right.  It wasn't even close to being fully seated.

 

I took the old one and had no problem getting it to fully seat with an aggressive shove.  Upon inspection the snap ring on the new axle was significantly more expanded than the old one.  It also had interference marks from my attempts to ram it in.  After squeezing the ring a bit and gently filing the marks off it went all the way in without issue.

 

Fej