IÆm assuming youÆre talking about the c clip on the end of the stub shaft, by the hub. And not the c clip that holds the axel seal in place next to the axel frame mount arms.

If youÆre talking about the stub shaft c clip you just want it to be tight. With as little slop behind it as possible. IÆve lost spacers and just put the clip back in with a good 3/16th of space behind it with no problems.

The only issue you will have is a gap on the back side of the spindle between the dust flange on the axel shaft. So debris might be able to get in there. Other than that itÆs no big thing.

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

(Edit) Also it never hurts to install a new C clip as opposed to using an old one. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />