If I follow your description correctly I think what you may have is a Mechanics joint whereas what you describe as "normal" is a Spicer type. Both use a different type of yoke. The small Spicer types go inside a hole and are secured by the ring you mention. Mechanics are bolted to the flange face of the yoke.
There are Cleveland, Spicer, Mechanics, and other brands so it does get confusing.
Last edited by 53moneypit; 07/01/2012 4:19 PM. Reason: typo
