Does anyone know if the circlips that lock the rear axles into the diff are the same as the stock circlips?

I'm not sure, but I was missing a Gorilla circlip when I got my LT kit. I gave them a call and had it free of charge within three days. They even paid for shipping.

Don't the Gorillas come put together?

Yes they do, but for whatever reason one rear axle did not have the clip. Got it, put it on, no problems.

they do come put together, but i heard it is recommended to replace those circlips whenever you remove the axles. any thoughts on if that is even necessary?

I removed my axels to replace punctured/leaking boots, but I didn't replace the clips. I personally haven't heard that. I haven't had any problems with axle fallout or anything like that.

clean the groove the circlip sits in, both on the axle and in the diff. thats the biggest part of getting the axle to stay in there. Visually inspect the clip for notches, tweakes etc... if it's good, you should be fine.

thanks for the info guys.