You don't really have to worry about the ring (clip), until after you get the shaft out. Once it is out, you'll be able to see what we're talking about. It's basically just a spring mechanism to keep the shaft from working its way out. For what it's worth, the shaft goes back in a lot easier than it comes out.
95 Contour Zetec, ATX (wrecked, sitting in the barn)
95 Mystique Zetec, MTX
2000 Taurus SEL 3.0L Duratec
1994 Crown Victoria LX 4.6 V8
1993 Chevy Silverado 4.3 V6
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