Need help installing front Axle

The drivers side front Axle seal was leaking, no problem removed axle replaced seal and King pin bearings, When I go to put front axle back in it wont slide all the way in,

I disconnect driveline tried spinning drive line and opposite tire to try and get gears to mesh, but they just wont, I lack 2 “ from being all the way in.

I have never had this trouble before, any tricks?

2" its not going into the side-coupler. sometimes you have to push down on the axle so that the far end will lift up to slide intothe side-coupler. grab it with both hands and push down you'll feel the other end  lift up.

i get what your saying, and it makes alot of since, but it has already siped in a little bit, so i cant really push down.

you sure the seal is the right size???

Thanks for your response, I just had to get aggressive with it shaking it up and down while turning, I shook it much more than I wanted to, I was afraid of hurting the new seal, I have added oil, and test drove it , it appears to be good.

Thanks Again

sometimes there just a PITA . glad you got her running again