Ford 9" pinion bearing question

[Lucas]

Finally tore apart the 3d member today, and the more I dig into this axle the more I realize that it has a badass design. Working on this thing should be a piece of cake!

The only thing I couldn't figure out was how to get the little pinion support bearing out of the 3d memeber. Its held in through the back by some kind of circular retaining clip. I would just bust it out but my install kit didn't come with a new one, but from the design of the pinion I don't see why I would even need that clip to hold that bearing in. Any suggestions?

 

[rsalemi]

IIRC the pinion slips out of the rear pinion support bearing without removing the snap ring - the bearing can remain in the housing - unless it needs to be replaced.

 

[Lucas]

I really want to go ahead and replace everything.Any idea as to how to take the weird snapring off?