Front axle replacement

[gwinder]

I know there are many threads about this but I just wanted to check that the procedure for putting everything back together is:
1. SLide the shaft into the transmission until you hear a click and know it is securely in there
2. Slide on the steering knuckle as best you can and then start hitting with a hammer to get enough of the spline to show to get the nut on

My concern is that when I start hitting with the hammer, is there a chance it will damage the inner boot? It seems when I took the shaft out, the inner CV has a lot of movement in and out so when I hit the steering knuckle, won't the shock just be absorbed by the CV joint? I was thinking maybe I should try to get the steering knuckle on first before I reinstall the drive shaft?

Thanks

Gary

[gwinder]

Turns out it was much easier to slide the steering knuckle onto the new axle since everything was nice and clean.

I did have a tough time getting the shafts to click inside the transmission housing....in fact on the passenger side, I had to take off the inner CV boot so I could get the shaft to click. In doing so I put a little tear in the boot. Tempted to put it back anyway but I guess I can wait another week and get a replacement boot. I tried using the old one which was OK but it had a different shape to my replacement axle...I purchase A1 Cardone shafts and they have a slightly different outside shape to the originals. Waiting to hear from Cardone to see if they sell me the inner boot.

Gary