[mgoblue]

I used a slide hammer to remove the original rear axles, though it didn't take much effort. Tomorrow I'll be installing the new rear axles. Once I'm sure the splines have engaged, am I going to have to tap the axle to get the axle bearing to seat into the axle housing? Or will the bearing naturally get seated when I torque the 4 retainer plate nuts? Thanks again!

['ol Pinion head]

Clean the varnish out of the housing ends with a rag & some parts cleaner or mineral spirits, the axle bearing/axle should slide right in.