How necessary is this? I've now pulled 2 D60s apart - both use OE Warn hubs. The Chevy used a stub snapring. The Ford doesn't even have the groove. :confused:

Does the seal take this up? Is there any danger of pulling the u-joint out of alignment of the steering axis?

FWIW, the Ford (non-snap ring) had a significant chamfer on the inner axle spline, and it appears the end of the shaft is in constant contact with the cross pin. Is it a case of deciding which end of the shaft (inn or outer) you want to use as the 'fixed' shaft?

I have run them without the snap rings but they are there to keep the axle dust boots in contact with the backside of the spindle.
If you are planning on some water crossings I would keep them but it your not then you really don't need them. Makes removing the hub easier if you have to tear into it.