So you replaced the outer joint and the boot?

 

No, I only replaced the boot. It had a tear in it, but it wasn't old/bad enough to contaminate the grease yet.

 

Years ago when I did the boots on a 00 model Kodiak I really had to work the axle to get it to go back in. Lots of wiggling and such. I had to get things just right for it to go back in. I think I even put in in 4wd and moved the other tires back and forth a little to get it to seat.