axle c clip broke in trans. taking trans cover off.

[buddy3824]

My passenger axle wouldn't come out, had to pull trans and use my "grim reaper prybar" and pry it out. In this process, while trying to easily pry and rotate axle, the axle popped out but with only have the C clip. So this means the other half is in the trans. !great!
what is involved with removing the bellhousing cover of the trans so I can hopefully extract the other half of clip. Obviously there are a bunch of bolts and rtv required to reseal. but I would like to know is there anything behind the case I need to worry about or check on in hopes of recovering the metal clip. thanks.

 

[pauleyman]

Bellhousing doesnt come off like that. To get into the front diff requires completely disassembly. Try a magnet.

 

[buddy3824]

I wasnt able to get the magnet to bend and go down into the section where it is probably resting. is it possible that running fluid through it would run it down toward the drain plug or the back section where I could take that cover off?

 

[donniekak]

Is your car an auto, or manual?

 

[buddy3824]

5 speed.

 

[hotrodssnova]

Running fluid won't work. That clip is probably laying down in the differential. Like stated above, you're going to have to drop the transmission and tear it down If you can't fish it out with a magnet. That clip is to big to go through the drain plug if you could get it there.