Having trouble getting c-clip seated on u-joint

[LostInTheSauce]

I'm replacing the u joints on the front axle shafts (Dana 30). And I'm having trouble getting the fourth C clip seated properly. I'm using Spicer 5760Xs.

It looks like one of the ears on the shaft is bent in. Is this normal? Am I just screwing this up somehow? All the needles seem to be still in their place so it's not them getting in the way and having the u joint not seat correctly. It's happening on both sides though which is making me think I'm doing something wrong.

Hopefully these photos can give y'all an accurate view. Photo 1 is the straight ear, photo 2 is bent ear.

 

[freedom_in_4low]

Hope this isn't the case for you, but I've heard of people bending the yoke ears by doing this job with a press. I use the hammer and socket method.

 

[R49]

Looks like the yoke ears are bent. I’ve encountered this before.
I have had luck clamping in a vise and straightening (carefully).
Judicious use of a hammer as a last resort.

 

[LostInTheSauce]

With both shafts being bent I think it must have been user error. I'll try the vise to straighten it out.

Thanks y'all.

 

[tworley]

A couple of sockets and a big hammer is the best way. The press, like you learned, can bend the ears if not careful.

 

[Apparition]

A couple of sockets and a big hammer is the best way. The press, like you learned, can bend the ears if not careful.

Agree, hammer is the best way.