The attached figure is the service manual of my previous 2000 Mazda Millenia I used before. I think the design is very similar. The left side of the page describes how to remove the drive shaft from the tansaxle. Basically you did it with the correct way. The right side is the installation procedure. Hope it will help. It is interesting that it says make sure the opening of the C-ring is facing upward. I am wondering why it is. If you can let us know if this is the case in your car after you installed the shaft back, it will help other people. (I think if the C-ring position is right, it may be easy to remove and install the shaft back.) Also there is a caution about the oil seal that you may want ot pay attention to.
After seeing your photos, finally understand what you want to do
The attached figure is the service manual of my previous 2000 Mazda Millenia I used before. I think the design is very similar. The left side of the page describes how to remove the drive shaft from the tansaxle. Basically you did it with the correct way. The right side is the installation procedure. Hope it will help. It is interesting that it says make sure the opening of the C-ring is facing upward. I am wondering why it is. If you can let us know if this is the case in your car after you installed the shaft back, it will help other people. (I think if the C-ring position is right, it may be easy to remove and install the shaft back.) Also there is a caution about the oil seal that you may want ot pay attention to.