Transmission is Out, Splines look good but...

[lhead]

Neither the trans output shaft nor the FD has a snap clip in the groove on the male spline. Should I get two snap rings? It appears the trans has been pulled before since the input and output splines look good and still had traces of grease.

So what's the downside if I reassemble with no snap rings?

[Scott_]

Down side being that the drive shaft can then "float" on both the trans output shaft and the final drive input shaft when the para-lever is flexing up and down.
As opposed to the drive shaft only sliding at the middle set of splines when the para-lever is flexing.

I think if you look close, the center of yoke should line up with the pivot points of the drive shaft housings, when clipped in place.
If the yokes start "floating" on the shafts then the center line of the joints can move out of alignment with the pivot points. You could then have some strange vibrations. (it's only my theory, I'm no engineer)

I's go ahead and get some clips for the two shafts, then you don't have to worry about it.

[Rick G]

Have a look inside the yokes thats where the snap rings are. The groove you see is where they snap in.

[lhead]

Yeah, I know where they go. They're just not there. I can see that they would prevent sliding back and forth during operation.

So, from what I've read here and what I've seen elsewhere, the driveshaft itself is a two piece assembly with internal splines. Should the internal joint on the shaft then be taken apart, cleaned and greased as well?

[Scott_]

Yes, most definitely.