Topic: Is a bearing retainer clip necessary?

[Reckless]

Hi, I removed the stock rf1a from my 88' pickup today and I noticed it has a bearing retainer clip preventing the input shaft and counter shaft from pushing "out".

However...my dual cases (both reduction units), do not have this clip, or any provision for it. Is this going to be an issue down the line, or is that retainer clip not providing that much extra insurance? In my crawl box, I can pull the input gear and counter shaft out quite far. Definitely at least 3/8"

The case out of my truck:


My duals:

[gnob]

They showed up at some point. Maybe ifs or something.  The machine work on the back of trans or adapter plate holds those where they need to be

[Gnarly4X]

.... I noticed it has a bearing retainer clip preventing the input shaft and counter shaft from pushing "out".

My guess is that clip was originally a factory manufacturing assembly part.  Most likely added to prevent the bearings from slipping.  During assembly the case was probably moved around in different axes.

Of course once the unit is mounted, the shaft and bearings are going anywhere.

My 1968 Chevy truck had rivets the kept the brake drums from slipping off the axle housing as they went down the assembly line.

Gnarls.