2002 Explorer Replacing Rear Axle Shaft Oil Seal

[perg]

I can’t find anyone who can give me a definitive answer to this question. I’m getting ready to replace the axle oil seal and everyone is telling me I have to drop the rear cover and pull the axle pin. Now I’ve done this before on a 99, but the 99 is a fixed axle. The 2002 has a rear independent suspension and the manual says that you bang out the axle and replace a spring clip (I think they called it a Circlip?). Can anyone give me the skinny on how this job is done and the part number for the Circlip and if I really need this? I think Ford has been working on a better oil seal, is there a new part number? How can I tell if the part (oil seal) I order is the new design? I don’t want to break anything (i.e. make a real mess of things). At least not until I get started . Thanks for listening and the help!