8-3/4 sure grip unit

He disassembled the sure grip unit and when you do you have to align the side gear splines. The only time you need to do it is when you take the sure grip unit apart.
Exactly right.
Thanks guys for confirming what I already knew. I guess I just needed to say it outloud! LOL
Damn, though, I wish I had a second set of axles to set it up with before I took the car apart. I'd hate like hell to have the car "down" for any length of time in the summer should something go wrong.

George