Can't install lower ball joint

[doclees]

Can't seem to get the left ball joint shaft to go into the spindle. This is after a fresh tranny/clutch, struts/springs, strut rod bushing(both ends) job. This is a new control arm. The right side went back in fine. This driver's side ball joint doesn't even seem to reach far enough to line up in the spindle hole when next to the spindle. It is as if I can't push the spindle/axle in far enough.
The axle feels seated without it pulling out at the tranny. The axle spins when I turn the hub.
Any words of wisdom?
thanks

 

[STL. SHO]

Is there a gap between the back of the spindle and the cv boot?

 

[doclees]

Is there a gap between the back of the spindle and the cv boot?

Not sure what you mean. The back of the spindle meets the outer end of the shaft. The outer boot is mounted on this part. Doesn't look disturbed at all. The band is holding the boot securely.

 

[STL. SHO]

Not sure what you mean. The back of the spindle meets the outer end of the shaft. The outer boot is mounted on this part. Doesn't look disturbed at all. The band is holding the boot securely.

Sorry, what i'm saying is make sure the splined end of the cv joint is fully seated in the hub, you can use the hub nut to draw the cv joint fully into the hub.

 

[doclees]

Sorry, what i'm saying is make sure the splined end of the cv joint is fully seated in the hub, you can use the hub nut to draw the cv joint fully into the hub.

Thanks that wasn't the issue. The right one I was able to slip the strut on the spindle and then on the ball joint. But I wasn't able to set in on the ball joint first and then slip the strut in the spindle. For some reason the left was just the opposite. Had to remove it from the strut and set it on the ball joint first and it worked. Go figure. I guess it could have also been any slight adjustment the subframe may need when it gets aligned.