I have what feels like a stupid problem. Took the old front diff out. After cutting the bracket that mounts the hole below the pinion, the diff fell right out. I can't seem to find the right way to fit the new one back in. Is there any angle of approach or method that would make the front differential slide back into it's original position.

So far, I can't seem to fit past the oil pan.

 

When I swapped the front diff on my Blazer, I ended up disconnecting the center link from the pitman and idler arms so that I could move it forward and create room. That may help?