No snapring on front axle, problem?

[Geargrinder]

I just switched from auto to man. hubs on an 8lug 10b, and I ran into a problem. I don't have a groove in the stub axle on the end to put the snap ring into I can't have the snapring & thrust washer behind the hub, it will not seat all the way. I can't put the snap ring on the out side of the hub, theres no recess for it to go into. So the axle is left to free float in the spindle. Is this a bad thing? What problems can this cause And is there a way to fix it other than swaping out the stub axles?

 

[sweetk30]

some have grove some dont. it just helps pull stub in to the seal on the back side of spindle better.

 

[Geargrinder]

That's what I thought. Will I have a problem with geting water, mud, ect. in the spindle without the snapring?

 

[Geargrinder]

Bump

 

[TrcksR4ME]

I couldn't get the snap ring back on after going to alloy axles. I will see how well it seals, I suspect it will get more water in there, but my buddy at Randy's R&P says its not that unusual to run without them.

 

[GMCLegacy]

the snap ring was needed for OEM spicer lockouts.