M809 Ball and Claw axle shaft re-assembly steps<

[Superthermal]

Cant find anything in the TMs on how to get the 5 ball and claw assembly to reassemble. It is obviously doable but after having some close calls on busting my fingers trying to hold and swivel etc I though I might just ask here and save me a trip to the institution or hospital, whichever comes first. LOL
Picture is from Eastern Surplus. My axle shafts look brand new and in excellent condition. Apparently these "CV" style axle shafts are quite strong which is a nice thing.
Anone have a general trick on how to get this done?

 

[US6x4]

Mine was never apart in 2 pieces but I had to fight those balls the entire time putting the shaft back in. Two would fall out but never three. I had to flex the joint just right to get the balls back in and pinching my brother's fingers in the process was a risk I was willing take.... Having a helper does make it easier.

 

[Superthermal]

My friend Kenny was able to figure out how to get them back together without breaking fingers. From his description the two shafts need to be just slightly apart and the shafts at an angle to one another and the last ball will be where you can tap it in with a soft hammer. He did them both and I think he just has superpowers or something because I was at my wits end trying to get the things to meld back together.

 

[US6x4]

It's very strange how they can fall out so easily and then not want to go back in without some heavy persuasion

 

[Brutacus]

When I did my front axle, the driver side axle gave me some fitting problems. When it came apart, it was revealed that 3 of the 4 outer ball bearings were worn/misshaped. Replacing them was easy, getting them back together was a little harder. I ended up leaving the axle shafts in the HOT August sun for a few hours, while I left the ball bearings in the freezer over night. Then using method similar to the one mentioned by Superthermal, the two halves went back together with a few taps from a deadblow.