How to install rear axle

If it is an 8 3/4 rear-end you have to remove the brake drum. Then there are 5 bolts. There is a hole in the axle hub itself that you have to rotate around to reach the bolts with an extension. I believe the nuts are 9/16. Look closely because there are also a couple of pieces under the bolts that need to go back on. You do not have to disassemble the brake shoes. Remove the 5 bolts and the retaining pieces and the axle will slide out. If you are changing the pumpkin too, then repeat the process on the other side. Then you remove the driveshaft at the U Joint then you have 10 or so bolts to remove the pumpkin. It's really pretty easy. When you put axles back in don't over tighten. You want just a tiny bit of play in the axle. About 1/16 inch of play. If you are replacing the whole housing and all, just remove from the leafsprings and disconnect the emergency brake cables and shocks. It will be heavy but you can lift it through the leaf springs. In on one side, set it down, then the other.

With new bearings having trouble getting axles all the way in

The axles are different length so that can be a pain. Some 8 3/4s have a spacer between the axles. Looking down the tube can be difficult to see them if they are in place. But if they have fell apart, the axles will not go all the way in. They look like 2 washers with a pin in one that inserts into the other.