Ok so I have a 2002 3.9 V6 4x4 Dakota, no matter how much my wife complains I will never get rid of this truck lol. So here is the issue, I replaced the front diff seals and the CV axles never had snap rings on the shafts. So I have tried putting new snap rings but they bend just slightly out of alignment any advice to put these snap rings back on ? It's item two on the attached diagram. It's a small metal snap ring which goes in the same position as the C clip on the rear diff it's just smaller in the front so if anyone has any tips on how to get this clip on there that would be very awesome.

 

I'm not really sure what you mean after reading your post a few times. If it is an internal snap ring, you would use internal pliers. External, external pliers. If it is a circlip type, that is with no holes for pliers then these type are meant for external use only. I have seen internal circlips but the ends are cutout enabling the use of a small screwdriver to remove. Maybe a pic of the type of clip your using would be helpful. Also note, there are metric and American snap rings and circlips, need to make sure you have the right size.

 

This is the type of snap ring, it goes on the axle shafts of the front differential. When I removed the cover to change the oil and make a new gasket for the front diff cover I noticed it had no snap rings. They rings have no cut outs for any tools.

 

You use a tool like this one to spread them and slide them down over the end of the shaft.


RwP