if always believed that if it was put there it was put there for a reason, so i would try to put the c-clip back in. if the shaft does break theres a trick to getting it out with a stick welder
get some 7018 rods and weld them to the axle shaft, get them real hot them pull the ground clamp making them stick to the axle and it gives you something to hold on to then you can get it out with a pair of plyers.