Help! Driver side axle install

[Russell C.]

In the process of replacing a driver side axle on my 5spd 95 200sx se-r, and
just not quite sure if I've got it all the way into the transaxle.  How much
space should there be between the inner joint housing on the axle and the
seal/tranny surface?

Right now there's around a 3/8" gap, maybe a tad more, about the size of the
tip of my finger, between the tranny surface/seal and the housing.  Also the
metal dust shield is about 1mm or 2 away from the seal.  Seems like when I
removed it the dust shield was into the seal, but I didn't pay enough
attention.  I've pounded on it repeatedly with a rubber hammer, but it just
doesn't seem to move any more.

I thought it was all the way in since it wouldn't seem to budge anymore, but
then after a drive there was fluid leaking slightly from around the seal.  So
it's either not in, or needs a new seal.  I'd really appreciate if someone
could clue me in here before I go to all the trouble of replacing the
transaxle seal.

By the way Oreilly gave me a rebuilt axle has the adapter for ABS, but I just
took the little gear off and it supposedly is identical and compatible.

Thanks,
Russell