[Jeff Chambers]

The trick is to get as much shimming in as possible while still being able to roll the pinion-mate gears back into place. Too much shim though and you won't be able to get the cross shaft back in between the axle ends so be sure to check the axle clearance before putting the diff back in to place. The easiest way that I've found to manage the s-clip is to compress it in a vice then put a stainless worm clamp around it. Once you get the clip started into the diff, remove the worm clamp and tap the clip the rest of the way in with a ball-peen hammer.