Pulled cv shaft out of front diff - no c clip

[Airspeed-Alive]

2008 Chevy Avalanche

 

Pulled the output shaft out of the front diff on the driver's side to replace the seal.  I noticed the clip wasn't in the groove.  How hooped am I?  Do I need to drop the diff now and open it up to look for it?

Thanks in advance!

[Airspeed-Alive]

Well for anyone who runs into this: the clip stayed in the groove of the differential housing.  I thought it fell in somewhere.  It seems like this happens, slide the output shaft back in with a few taps of the hammer and it clicks back into place.

[Carl Dunkin]

I have a 1992 that I am doing ball joints tie rods axle seals etc . the clip on the drivers side was torn up out of shape what is the best way to replace slide it in the diff or ?