Problem replacing front axles

[ABELL4610]

Because the outer boots on the cv joints (both sides) was rruptured, I replaced the front short axles with remans. The problem that I had was with reconnecting the lower control arm with the steering knuckle. After inserting the axles in the differential and the wheel hubs, and of course, leveraging the control arm down, I was unable to get the knuckle to go inward enough for the bolts to align with the holes in the control arm. I finally used a comealong around the hub and an opposite side frame member to force it in enough for the bolt alignment. This just doesn't seem the right solution. Can someone tell me what I'm missing? I found this to be the case on both sides.

[RIP]

It's been a while but, I do recall having the same problem though not as bad. Seems like I just pushed and shoved till the bolts slipped in. I don't remember having to resort to anything close to what you did. I do remember using a bottle jack to compress the coil spring. Maybe that fixed the geometry. Just can't be sure. This was either on a 94 or an 87. Hope a pro chimes in and has that light bulb we're looking for.

OBTW - Use this for future reference. If the boots were cut and the joints were not making the usual clicking sound they make when they go bad, you might have been able to get away with using split boots. They just wrap around the joint and allow you to avoid changing the half shaft assembly. I've used them several times and all of them are still going strong, two of them for 5 years now. Many don't recommend them because you have to clean the joint thoroughly before installing. That means all the grease and dirt has to come out. The pros say it can't be done with the cv joints still on the car. Tough to do on the car but, it works for me. I use a spray can of engine degreaser and an acid brush. Once the grease is gone I clean the degreaser out with brake cleaner. Then I pack it very carefully with grease. You have to take your time through the process to make sure it is clean and completely repacked. This process sure beats changing halfshafts because of a simple torn boot.