During tear-down, it is very difficult if not impossible to remove the front carrier to output shaft snap ring. Even if only an inspection service is being performed, the tail housing and parking gear to output shaft snap ring must be removed first. See figure 1. This will allow the output shaft to be pushed far enough forward to remove the front carrier to output shaft snap ring without damaging it. See figure 2,
Figure 1:http://flic.kr/p/e4PYsg
Figure 2:http://flic.kr/p/e4VAVd
Figure 1:http://flic.kr/p/e4PYsg
Figure 2:http://flic.kr/p/e4VAVd