1998 Rear Axle Snap Ring

[KeithMock]

Does anyone know the size of the snap ring? I need to get a pair of snap ring pliers and they have different tip sizes so, want to get the right set of pliers.

Thanks!

[Fairtax4me]

Channel Lock 8" Retaining ring pliers at Lowes, Home Depot, Ace, almost every other hardware store. Should be about $30. Has multiple tips and 90° angle tips to get into corners with. I've had those a couple years and they work great and give you way more leverage than other brands of snap ring/retainer pliers. Also have stronger tips than many other brands for similar price point.
The only ones better are going to be high end brands like Snap-On, Mac, Cornwell, etc.

[KeithMock]

Thanks, I'll take a look. I bought a cheap one and it doesn't have the power to squeeze the snap ring; keeps popping. Was thinking more about a fixed pair that didn't have interchangeable tips.

[Fairtax4me]

I use mine on the heavy duty clips that keep the pins in the bucket on our backhoe. The channel locks handle them with ease.

Snap rings can get rusted into place pretty good over time, so if it's rusty and dirty be sure to spray some penetrating oil on the ring and let it soak in for a while before trying to remove it. I also take a wire brush and try to scrub any rust, dirt, or junk away and then blast it with compressed air and then hit it with penetrating oil.

[KeithMock]

Sounds good. They seem to be free, will move, so that shouldn't be a problem.