The following article submitted by Ken Chapin on February 23, 1999
Subject:  Rear axle installation
When changing your rear tire, a lot of times people have found it difficult in getting everything to line up correctly when reassembling.  They find that it is quite difficult to pass the rear axle completely through everything and out the other side of the final drive.  Often, people relate to the use of a hammer to complete the passage.  Not only is this not necessary, it can be damaging to the final drive components.  Simply loosen off the final drive attaching nuts before inserting the axle - it will slide right in and everything will automatically align itself.