Best Horseshoe Clip Removal Tool for Front Locking Hub on a 40 Series

[Green Bean]

Hello: I recently did a knuckle job on our 1970 with a 1977 front axle. The locking hubs are Warn. The horseshoe clips that go on the end of the birfs were a total pain to remove and re-install because there isn't hardly any gap between the housing and the clip. I had to grind down the tips of the duckbill removal tool i had so that it would fit. I'm fairly confident that there is a good/better tool for this and I would appreciate any recommendations as I would like to have it on hand.
Thanks.

 

[KLF]

I assume you mean the lockring at the very end of the Birfield? Never heard it called a horseshoe clip.

I have a pair of pliers very similar to these, they work really well. Used many times, but it's been several years now...

Amazon product ASIN B07QWTB149

 

[ntsqd]

I bought a set of these about 20 years ago: Snap-on Store - https://shop.snapon.com/product/Snap-Ring-Pliers-(Transmission)/Snap-Ring-Pliers/SRP4 Their key feature is the little divot in them that grabs the sharp ends and hangs on. Made a real PITA job very easy and simple.

 

[PIP]

I bought a set of these about 20 years ago: Snap-on Store - https://shop.snapon.com/product/Snap-Ring-Pliers-(Transmission)/Snap-Ring-Pliers/SRP4 Their key feature is the little divot in them that grabs the sharp ends and hangs on. Made a real PITA job very easy and simple.

This is the right tool.

My first gig into self employment was starting a transmission business. If a snap ring pliers doesn't say Snap-On or Mac on it I have a real hard believing it will remove a retaining ring that is difficult.

A super trick transmission builder trick for getting real stubborn retaining rings out- Use the best ring pliers and clean the ring and the tool tips with ether or brake clean and compressed air. Remove all oil. Dry as a bone. You want the retaining ring pliers to grip, not slip. Sometimes they can be a real mf'r when people install a ring upside down or the ends are all rounded over. Cleaning them very well can often make the impossible happen.

Good luck!