Replacing Rear Axel Shaft On P71

My Son Has A 2002 Crown Vic Police Interceptor!! We Are Trying To Remove The S Clips!!! They Are A Pain In The Butt>>>>> Truly>>>>> Anyone Have A Trick To Remove Them We Are Stumped??? Tried Everything These Little Buggers Don't Wanna Come Out!!!!! Spider Gears Are Out But These Springs Remain !!! Any Help Would Be Greatly Appreciated !!!! Tom

There is an ABS sensor that may be preventing the axle from moving in far enough to get the C-clip out. those sensors should be held by a 10mm bolt and the sensor itself can be seized in place but can be persuaded out with a screwdriver.

Did That Still Wont Go In Far Enough To See The Clips On Either Side? Traction Locking Spring Is In The Way On Both Sides!!! This Is Really Frustrating!!! Done It Before On My Lincoln Town Car It Was A Snap!!! Any Info You Have Will Be Greatly Appreciated!!! P.S. Did It On Good Side Also!!! Removed Caliper/Rotor And Sensor Same Thing? Could This Be Because It's A P71? Looked On U Tube Only Found Replacing S Spring NOT Removing It? Also If I Get The S Spring Out Can I Leave It Out? Or Do I Have To Replace? Thanks Tom

Tommy, had this problem too. I was replacing my axle on a 2002 CVPI also.
Found out the bearing had cut a groove in the axle. This prevented the axle from moving in that slight amount needed, to push it in to see the clip. All I can say is lift the axle, from the wheel mount, and try to wiggle it in enough to see the clip. It won't be much, you kind of have to get a feel for it.

I had a failed seal that leaked diff fluid out and cause the bearing to eat the axle..
These bearing have no inner race. They use the axle for an inner race.
Evidently, this was a common problem on the Vic's.