I pulled the diff to replace the output shaft seals. Once I removed both output shafts I realized the right side output shaft's c-clip is still inside of the differential.

Is this common when removing output shafts on 350Z/G35's?
If I leave the c-clip inside of the diff, and I insert the right output shaft into the diff, will the c-clip seat onto the output shaft normally?
Or should I use pliers to try to remove the c-clip from inside the diff, and then reinstall the c-clip onto the output shaft first prior to installing the output shaft into the diff?


Right Output Shaft missing it's c-clip

C-Clip Stuck inside of differential


Any input will be helpful, thanks

 

Well, a week later, so what did you do?

I probably woulda fished it out as I doubt you'd get lucky enough to get it back in properly.

 

I looked up pictures of brand new sets of these output shafts for order at Z1 Motorsports.
Only the smaller output shafts are equipped with the c-clip installed on it, not the long one like the one I had pictured.
I used a mallet and popped the longer output shaft back into the diff, all is ok and I'm back on the road again.


Used mallet to pop the output shaft that had it's c-clip still inside the diff

It's finally up and ready for an install