I installed new clutches in the rear of my 1976 F250. I am attempting to put it back together with the carrier still in the axle. In order to compress the clutch packs, I have a bolt placed in between the two side gears. (Right now the axle is out of the truck and on jack stands for other reasons.) In order to roll the spider gears into place I was holding one tire and spinning the other. The spider gear is running into the carrier before it can roll into place. When I tighten the bolt and compress the clutch packs more, I can no longer operate each tire independently. What is the proper way to get the spider gears in? And is it just easier to pull the carrier out and do this on the bench? Any advice is appreciated.

 

It may be easier on a bench with a vice on the carrier. How are your spiders shimmed and side gears? There may be too many shims behind one of the gears.