[Shotimes] Axle not fully seated in tranny

[Erik]

Anyone ever have the driver side axle pop out slightly.  It's in enough to
continue to turn and is not leaking fluid, but it's out enough to obviously
see the play if you try to move it.  When I had pulled my tranny I had a
problem with the circlip at the end of the stub expanding and the axle
wouldn't go back in fully.  I pulled the axle out again and rebent the circlip
enough so that the axle finally seated.  I have a feeling something happened
to the circlip which allowed the axle to pop out.  Are the circlips available
single or do you have to purchase the halfshaft to get it?  I'm wondering if
it has something to do with my tranny rattle at idle and goes away when the
clutch is pushed in.  Anyways, thanks for any input!