Well that little damn snap ring threw a wrench in my whole weekend. It was a little too stretched out so I couldn't get the axle in my newly built LSD trans, so I couldn't finish the trans install, which means I can't tune it tomorrow as I had planned.

I tried and tried but I couldn't get the snap ring on there without enlarging it so much that it wouldn't seat in the trans. Anyone successfully done this? I've given up on it and I guess I'll take it somewhere monday to get done... here's a pic of what I'm talking about for reference.

 

i've done that a couple of times, was not a real problem... try to reduce its dia. while the ring is in place. i can't remember, but i think i did that.

 

It was about an hour long fight for me last summer.

Once I got the retaining ring in the groove, I "squished" it into as round a shape as possible with a set of channel locks. Use tape on the jaws so as not to mar the splines. I then loaded up the groove with heavy grease to hold the clip centred radially in the groove.
I believe it took three insertion attempts before it finally went in with a click.

That clip needs to be centred on the end of the axle and you really have to push the axle straight in to the tranny which is a little hard to judge because of the inboard CV joint.

Persevere and you shall be triumphant.

 

Thanks guys. I like that idea eng92 I'm going to try it.

Question though. I had two rings obviously because I had two axles, old and newer. I lost the ring I wanted to use because when I was trying to pry it on there it went flying into the yard. Anyhow, I now only have one, which is fairly knicked and scuffed up for whatever reason. I don't know what this ring seats into, but do you think it would be unwise to use a marred/scuffed ring in there, and that I should just wait til I can get a new one from nissan before installing it?

 

A worn out ring might not "lock" into place as good as a new one. So if this one goes in too easy or comes out easy(pulling lightly), install a new one.