QT install went fine, the hubs have a problem

[Triumph215]

One of the locking hubs was broken when I bought the Jeep so I bought new hubs now that the PT TC is in there again. One went on fine but on the passenger side the hub won't go in deep enough to get the small snap ring onto the axle. I should have known something was up because while removing the old one it was moving around a lot. I need to move the truck away from the wall so I can get to it better but in the meantime, any ideas? There's a shoulder on the wheel bearing nut against the axle shaft but it was getting dark so I bagged it for the night. I searched the forum but didn't find anything similar. I guess I'll have to take the lock nuts off and see what might be going on in there.

[Yeller]

Is it possible the axle shaft has been changed? Even though similar they are not all the same. Common issue with aftermarket axles. Unless running the old Spicer design that snap ring is not necessary and commonly run without.

[Triumph215]

The truck is shockingly original. it's possible but I think it's unlikely. After some searching it looks like I might be able to push the axle shaft through a bit from the back. I saw that lots of folks don't put that ring on at all as you suggest. Looking forward to getting it away from the wall so I can see better.

[Yeller]

Sometimes I forget the easy steps because I do them without thinking about it from doing it so many times. Gets me into trouble more than I’d like to admit when getting asked how to do something . Yes push/pry the axle from behind the hub toward the outside and should solve the issue

[fulsizjeep]

If you haven't done so yet, I would jack the RF tire off the ground a bit so it can turn freely and not have any load on the axle shaft. It would also be a good idea to check/regrease the outer axle hub bearings and check the axle ujoints for wear/slop.

[Triumph215]

Success ! I threaded a bolt into the axle and it extended right out, far enough to get the snap ring on easily.
I had the rear main seal replaced by a local Jeep mechanic right after I bought it and they did a full inspection of the vehicle. I had one loose wheel bearing up front and they tightened it up. They found a lower ball joint at the beginning stages of loose and I discovered this morning the spindle bearing is a bit loose on the passenger side.
Unless the forum sees something catastrophic looming, I'm considering driving it 1,500 miles to Boise (tomorrow) to leave it at my parents house so what little rust I have will stop. Once I get it there I can refresh the whole front end.
Now for the test drive.

[Triumph215]

The truck drives great, no leaks.

[Stuka]

Success ! I threaded a bolt into the axle and it extended right out

This is exactly what I was going to suggest when I read your first post. Glad you figured it out!