Putting back my rear end after changing the pinion bearings. Seems the pinion flange only wants to start about 1/2 inch and has to be driven on the pinion the rest of the way. Is this correct? I was thinking it should be like the driveshaft yoke that slides in the transmission. A tight fit but slides in easy once it's started.

 

They go on very tight, the dealerships have a tool to press them on.