UPDATE: success! Back on, snap ring installed, and now that I’ve freed the axle from the diff it moves like the passenger side did. Axle spins nicely, for good measure after I finish I’m gonna jack it up so both fronts are off the ground put the tcase in neutral lock the hubs and spin them just to make sure it’s all smooth and there’s no funny noises or resistance from the axle binding. I’m hoping to find a decent deal on a Dana 60 before I have to put any money into this 10 bolt besides this but I’ll probably start planning on axle shafts/u joints.
I did have to pry up and down at the u joint to get the axle to slide back into the differential but it slid smooth and it’s all seemingly lined up nicely. Now to get the hub back in and move on. Thanks again for brain storming and sharing your knowledge and trying to help me out, this site and it’s members rocks!
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