So the old compression rod came right off, trying to get the new one in is a different story. The part that goes on the stud slides right in, but the other end, for the life of me, once I get the little cone piece on, will NOT seat in there at all. Is there a trick to this? Does the front axle need to be removed!? I'm at a serious loss here.

 

Do you have both sides of the front jacked up?

Watch this vid too if you haven't already

 

It doesn't seat all the way down, and if you read the manual you will see that it has to be put on under laden conditions - meaning the suspension is compressed.

 

I've watched that probably 20 times, haha. I did not have the other side jacked up, does that matter? I think the car in the video is not a awd, seems there's drops right in. The axle is what's in my way from getting that front ball joint in the hole.

 

This is what I'm referring to. The axle prevents it from dropping in. Goes in fine without that cone part. But once it's on, it's a no go.

 

Get the other side up and on stands so you can turn the hub to give you more room. Should go in easier from there

 

This is a crazy thought, but maybe you could remove 7 nuts and have easy access?

 

Pretty sure I've dropped those in without pulling the axle.

Either way...just zip the axle nut off and tap the end of the axle in slightly and should give you enough room to do it. An impact wrench will make this easy.

No impact...put the wheel back on without the centercap and drop it to the ground. Put the socket through the center cap hole, put your breaker bar on and a pipe and lean on it. Do the same when comes time to tighten the nut up.

After the nut is loose, the axles usually tap in pretty easily.

 

Was able to get it in, just had to get the suspension compressed in just the right spot and I was able to tap it in with a hammer. Problem solved! Thanks again for everyone's help!