OT: XT6 Front Drive Axle Removal

[montypython]

I removed the right front drive axle today.
Everything went relatively smoothly, but when I pulled the axle from the differential drive shaft the drive shaft came with it. I don't think this is supposed to happen because there is a circlip on the differential end of the shaft that I assume is supposed to hold it in place.
There was no resistance on the splines. They slid easily off the axle, as did the shaft from the differential, so I doubt that the circlip was doing its job anyway.
Question is - do I have a problem here. Am I safe to reinstal the differential shaft as it is or ..............?

[huck369]

I replyed on the XT6 site, but Beav or somebody might have some better info.

Sounds like you need to crack open the diff and fix that shaft. I wouldn't trust it just sticking it back in there... I am assuming you meant the whole piece came OUT of the diff when you pulled the axle out. Correct me if I'm wrong?

Luckily the front diff is pretty simple and should be a straightforward job. Replace the seals while you're at it, just preventative.