I'm kinda down to driving this at the moment and when I was under it, I saw this. It won't go back in and I've tried everything short of unbolting the CV axle to do so. Is this a huge problem? How does it go back in? It's not making any grinding noises, just clunking from it moving around. If it slips in, how do I keep it from coming back out?

I'm used to rear axles, not these.

Thanks.

 

The end of the CV axle that goes into the diff has a C snap ring on it that holds the CV axle into the diff. If the splines are matched up properly then the snap ring just needs a small tap for it to seat. If you can get the splines matched up, then push it into the diff until it stops, place a block of wood against the CV axle and give it a firm tap with a hammer to seat the snap ring.


FYI, if you've been driving with the CV unseated like this, it's quite likely that the outer seal on the diff is shot and the diff will continue to leak gear oil from that side. It's a $12 part, but you have to completely remove the CV axle to replace the seal.

 

Thanks, going to try that this weekend. Working on getting my TPI swapped 1989 Sierra finished first. It's parked now that my van is running well.