328 axle shaft question

I am replacing the boots on the LH axle shaft, using the excellent Birdman tutorial as a guide. I have removed the assembly from the car and taken off the snap ring. The shaft seems real tight on its splines, should I use a "gear puller" to push it out? Is it difficult to reinstall? And, while the snap ring survived, is there a source for a quality replacement? I suspect all the snap rings that are available locally are made in China... Thanks!

 

Thanks very much!