Can't get front CV axle in.

[Magicland]

Trying to replace a front (driver's side) CV axle on a 2002 Mountaineer AWD. Doing a bunch of other front end work, so just about everything is out except the steering knuckle w/tie rod attached (upper control arm is out). Couldn't for the life of me figure out a way to position things to get enough space to get the old CV axle out, so I cut it. Came out easily after that.

Now I can't seem to get enough space to get the new one in. Even with the wheel hub out, I'm still about 1/2" short of being able to maneuver the end that goes into the transaxle into the transaxle. Videos on YouTube make it look easy, but something obviously isn't moving far enough for me to get it in, even when I manually compress the CV axle.

Any ideas, tips, whatever?

 

[IPcamper]

You might need to remove the tie rod from the knuckle so you can move the knuckle farther. Then try to put the CV into the front diff. after you should be able to bend the outer CV enough to work it into the knuckle.