Sure grip

I have a 742 3rd member, 3.23 and clutch type sure grip. It's been sitting in the garage for almost 2 years. Being bored today, I decided to install it. Before installing it, I slipped...rather tried to slip the axles in. On one side it appears that the two splines in the sure grip are slightly off, just enough to stop the axle from going past the first set of splines. First, is this an indicator there are issues with the unit? Second, how can I realign them. I attempted to separate the sure grip and them bolts won't budge. There is an "LE" stamped on the heads of the bolts, left handed thread? The ring gear bolts have an "L" stamped on them and I know from the FSM they are left hand.

Thanks
Author: admin