I haven't seen this addressed in any of the threads on converting a D44 to Ford hubs.
I'm useing the usual Ford hubs & rotors on early Chevy spindles. When I ordered my Warn shafts, I got the Ford outers. I shoud have gotten Cthe Chevy outers.
The result is I can't get the c-clip on the end. Is the clip very important? What do you guys think?

yes the clip is important, you probably just have to pull the shaft out with a vise grip or something, ran into the same problem, the sahft ussually just gets pushed in too far when installing the spindle..

Thanks.
That's not the problem though. Ford outers are 0.22" shorter than Chevys.

Wayne what are the two stub lengths. I have some waggoneer stubs wondering if they match Ford or Chevy

According to Warn (instructions in their premium hub kits) the stubs are different lengths. The snap ring on the end of the stub shaft will fit on some apps and not others. They say don't worry about it if it doesn't fit, the hubs are just as strong with or without it. I run my front 44 without the snap ring (because of the same reason you're stating) and have yet to have a problem.

The snap ring doesn't have anything to do with the strength of the hub. The snap ring keeps the shaft tight against the bearing and helps to keep the whole shaft from wobbling around some.

Will it make a difference?....maybe, maybe not.

Waggy and Chevy stubs are the same lenght. Fords are shorter.

the snapring also holds the seal against the back side of the spindle to keep out junk.

I've "read" that people have used a washer and bolt. Some D44 axles you can thread a bolt into the end of the 19 splines.

Thanks everyone.
I think I'll just run it without the clip. I only put a couple thousand miles a year on it & I'll keep an eye on the spindle bearings.

Matt:
Fords are 9.72" = drum brake Waggy
Chevy is 9.94" = disk brake Waggy