I am in the process of rebuilding my HP D30 and after I cleaned up and painted the axle shafts I did a test fit on the caps in the yoke bores. On the right axle shaft I can push in the cap with my fingers.

Should I replace the axle shaft? If so, JY, or buy a new one and from who? Thanks.

Can you get by with it. Probably if you don't use your front axle hard. But if you are using it for wheeling, you will spit that cap out when the snap ring fails to hold it under any hard use

No offense, but that's terrible advice.

The ear for the cap is obviously wallowed out. Having a loose cap like that guarantees you'll be doing this job again sooner than later. You'll pulverize those needle bearings in no time.

I suggest replacing the offending section. Do it right, while you're in there. Just one man's opinion.

yup, thanks. I’m buying a new axle shaft.

I’m not into doing involved repairs multiple times. And especially not on the side of the road!🙂

Get new shafts and use the full circle clips instead of c clips.

You say shafts. Do I need to get more than one? I only have the one shaft with a bad bore.

And are the full circle clips necessary for a stock XJ? If so, are they a "stock" clip that I can buy at a hardware store or to I need to buy them from an off-road retailer? I'm running the 760 u-joints FWIW. Thanks.

Man, I could have sworn when I looked for an axle shaft this weekend, Rock Auto had one for $95. It's not there today. Now everywhere I look they are at least $165(East Coast Gear Supply).

Can anyone point me in a direction where to get one? And a safe brand? Thanks.

Just get some shafts out of a junkyard. If ordering new you only need one, the full circle clips are a good upgrade either way.

Yukon Gear & Axle (YP SJ-297X-501) Full Circle Snap Rings (4), Fit 297X U-Joint With Aftermarket Axle.

Thanks. I have 760X u-joints though.

Same thing.

Ah, okay, thanks.