Question about drive axles

[Cman88]

I removed my rear axles and there is what appears to be an oring on the end of the shaft near the splines where the c clip fits. Its crusty, hard, and split almost like a c clip itself. What is it supposed to be? Where can I get whatever it is. I would like to have this reassembled by the end of the day if possible..

 

[donsbad68]

Holds the C-clip in place till you put the pin in the diff

 

[Cman88]

Holds the C-clip in place till you put the pin in the diff

So is it supposed to be an O-ring? This is the first ford rear end I have ripped apart and everything is burnt from running low on oil..

 

[Mustang5L5]

Yes, it's supposed to be a soft rubber o-ring. Not really necessary. As stated it does help hold the c-clips in place but you can install the clips without the o-ring.