[DSPTurtle]

So last night when I finally got the thermostat out I forgot to pay close attention to where the metal shim goes. Does the shim go in first, then the t-stat with gasket on it and then the snap ring? Or does the t-stat/gasket go in first and then the shim then the snap ring?
I guess the real question is, does the snap ring ride on the t-stat/gasket or does the snap ring push on the shim?
I spent 30 minutes searching the forum and got both answers. Clark's and Haynes don't give the order either.
Many thanks in advance for a definitive (maybe from the workshop manual) response!!!