Hi,

I have a 1985 Chevy S10 with 100,000 miles, 4 speed manual and 4 wheel drive. I was doing a CV axle replacement on the passenger and when I went to go install the new CV axle. I noticed that the long axle shaft that goes into the front differential that you connect the CV axle to, will not go back in completely. There is about a 1/2" to 3/4" gap left when the axle shaft is pushed into the differential. I have tried lightly hitting the axle shaft with a rubber mallet to see if it would seat the rest of the way because that is what I have seen people do online. I stopped attempting this after 10-15 minutes because I felt like I might be damaging something if I were to keep hitting the axle shaft. All I need to do is get the axle shaft where it was before the removal of the CV axle and then I will be good to put everything back together. What is your advice on this issue? I'm kind of lost on what to do. I would include a picture to help show what the exact problem looks like but I don't see a button to add an image. Any advice is appreciated.

Thank you