Trouble re-installing front axles, Help

I've been putting in another engine with trans and been relearning from doing it several years ago. I have everything hooked up in the engine. Now putting in the axles (half Shafts) but can't get it aligned. I'm afraid to tap on it and damage the splines. How do I align the axles into the trans shaft and then seat it in. I'm stuck. Help please. I'm close to being done except for the rotten axles.

Anyone? I really can't get the drive axles, half axles in. Is there a trick to getting it aligned and then tap it is?

I installed the driver's side.. Now the passenger side. Looks like the spline joint (whatever its called) is not in this trans. How do I pull out my old one? Is it just a slip in? And how do I pull it out? Thanks. I need help soon on this one.
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Are the driver's side and passenger side Half Axles different?
Does the passenger side have the male spline that goes into the trans attached. ?

You know, seems that not as many people responding these days? Hopefully its not "My Mechanic" that is discouraging it.
Anyway, a plug for the local GM dealer , Lake GMC in Lake Elsinore, Ca. I tell you, their Service and Parts Department can't be beat for being helpful. I went there to see if I can get some information. Can't tell you how great of an experience it was. I have a thing against GM (gov't motors) that I will not buy another new car thru GM. But I tell you, these people sure make me change my mind. I will buy used thru them. Peter and Chris - they were super. They pulled the part for me. I dragged my old trans to them and they did it in the back of my jeep.
It is actually simple.
Steps: Remove the lock ring. Use a split bearing puller with the slide hammer. Attach the split bearing puller to the ring groove where the lock ring is. One whack and its out . More time to set up the bearing tool than the actual work.

Now I am having trouble getting this axle into the new trans. I think I made a mistake by putting the short joint on the half axle first and then trying to install it into the new trans. Maybe should I have put the short joint into the trans first? Any help how to get this assembled half axle into the trans? I am struggling and can't get it to seat into the trans. The joint goes in, the lock ring seems to keep it from going in? Suggestions. Please !

make sure your snap ring is still in good shape not bent. you can remove it
& thighten it by squeezing it in with plyers.once you have it aligned & holding the axle straight tap/hit it in.some can be a bitch but a good level hit usually will pop it in.you can hit it on the inner cv joint it self for a better jolt if hitting it on the end of the axle does'nt work
btw are we sure that the splines are the same as the trans??it is a differant/used one.... just a possibility

Thanks. I did try. I went back to the dealer and asked them to remove that small intermediate shaft from the half axle. I will now go back and try it the way the mechanic suggested. Put the intermediate in first. I am sure that the splines are the same because it did slide in but couldn't get the lock ring to squeeze in and seat. And it is a booger. Thanks for the suggestion. I appreciate it.
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UPDATE:

Smooth. When done in the right sequence, no problem.
Put in the small shaft, then the half axle. Took literally 1 minute to install.