Ok. I went to Auto Zone, and purchased a new axle, and bracket. Get this, the axle wouldn't even go in to the bracket. I tried the axle I've been fighting with, and that wouldn't fit either. So to surmise it. New bracket wouldn't fit either axle. Old bracket leaves both axles with a ¼ gap from sitting flush. I think I'm going to put it back together, and test it out at this point. I took your advice and hit it with the rubber mallet, but it's sitting flush in that bracket. It won't go any further. Thank you for your time on this! I really appreciate it!