One of the CV boots on the driver's side drive shaft is split and throwing grease. I need to replace it, but I've heard that it can be difficult to get the old axle out due to a sagging clip/ring on the differential end of the shaft.

Has anyone done this job themselves? If so, can you provide some guidance, hints, or other input?

 

If the circlip is holding on pretty good, rotate the axle 180° and try prying it out again. If it is still difficult rotate 90° and try again, if it is still being a PITA to remove rotate 180° again and it should pop out. Being the circlip is a C shape with an open end, of one of the ends does not retract it can become a right mother to remove. It will pop out with a bit of force but it should not be a struggle. If there is a lot of resistant do not force it, as you may bend the circlip. It just needs a quick jerk to overcome the spring pressure of the circlip to compress and pop out.

I usually use a flat bar and a quick pull to pop the axle out of the differential housing.