Replacement axles?

cudamark said

As long as it takes a bit of effort to press the bearing on the axle shaft, it will be fine. If it doesn't take much effort, but, the bearing still fits snug on the shaft, you can tack the lock ring on the axle shaft as Murray mentioned.

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My friend called me last night saying he cleaned them up and pressed on Timken bearings and collars. There was still plenty of tension on the bearing that it should not slip or spin at all. I will go pick them up today and hopefully get them installed within the next few days.

I received the flange gaskets yesterday. I see there should be one between the axle housing and hub backing plate and another behind the axle retaining plate. I can easily install the one behind the retainer, but I cannot pull the backing plate far enough away from the housing to insert the gasket over the four retainer studs. I tapped on the studs to see if they would back out a bit to make more room, but they are either pressed in well or seized in place. I don't want to remove the brake line or damage the retainer studs. This particular gasket was not installed on either side when I disassembled things. Is it a crucial one in your experience or can it safely be skipped?