I'm not sure what to do as I have successfully swapped the right side axle, but the left side is not seating in the tranny. I have taken it out, twisted, then re-tried inserting into the transmission (approx 20 times) and it stops short by about 1"-1 1/2". I will not hit it with a hammer as others have suggested...not gonna ruin perfectly good axles that way. I know the old clip is not left inside (it is still on the old axle) so I'm perplexed! It FEELS like it's bottoming out in the tranny (almost like the shaft is too long) but it is the same length as the old one. Anyone who can help, I'd greatly appreciate it!

 

UPDATE - I took of the retainer ring and it slipped in fine. So it's obviously the ring keeping it from seating. I've tried positioning the ring so the opening was up, down, and any other direction with the same result as above. Any suggestions????????

 

Ok...final outcome: TAPPED the end of the shaft LIGHTLY with a rubber mallet and it went in! Finally!