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Thanks all! I was really concerned that something was wrong and preventing the axle from going in, so I pulled the front differential loose so I could check the axle splined end and spring clip. All was good, put it back together but came up with new plan to force the axle in and over-ride the spring clip retainer.
A 3" exhaust clamp fits the grooves of the inner axle collar very nice, clamp just tight enough to get a positive grip on the axle to hammer on. As hard as I was hitting on the grooves, the pry bar, punch-chisel, or whatever would easily slip off. With the clamp, you can use one hand to hold the axle straight and provide firm inward pressure, while the other presses on the clamp with an air chisel with blunt end. This worked like a champ, just make sure to do this in a controlled manner and stop the air chisel once you get past the initial snap ring tension.
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