Another broken snap ring

[rhi]

Well, for the third time in it's 80k miles my '96 Hoe has broken the snap ring on the output shaft of the transfer case.

 

Classic symptoms: grinding/racheting sound, goes away when in 4-hi.

 

The truck is used, but certainly not abused.

 

Until I get a chance to fix it, I'm running with the T Case in 4Hi, but with the thermal actuator connector off so the front axle isn't engaged.

 

Any problem running like this for awhile ?

 

Are there any more permanent fixes for this problem, other than just putting another snap ring on there ?

 

Thanks,

Rich