hmm.. i finally got a chance to work on this a bit more... and determined that it is not a good idea to use the little retainer with the washer as the retention method. it works, works quite well in fact.... EXCEPT it allows too much in-out play at the axle... allowing the back side to be exposed more which can't be good for it in wet or dusty conditions

darn... that means I've gotta buy a new axle shaft and go through the annoyance of installing it 'cause my splines are lunched and won't hold a 26mm snapring retainer.

Worth a shot, anyway smile