Axle Shaft End Snap Rings

The previous owner removed the lockout hubs and one of them is missing. I purchased new hubs, but noticed the snap rings on the ends of the axle shafts are non-existent. I was planning to replace them when I go to install my new hubs, but wondered if they are needed. Any feedback or advice is much appreciated!

 

Not needed

 

The snapring actually interferes with the assembly process of some hubs and those hubs instructions say to omit the ring.

 

Thanks!

 

My Jeep had aftermarket replacement axle shafts. They weren't even provisioned with a groove for a snap ring.
Weren't the snap rings a holdover from the pre-spicer type universal joints? That type being sensitive to end play?