Question for national tech, animal gearbox

[dmmc]

   Is it legal to modify the end of the output shaft (ring gear) to better retain the key, such as machining a snap ring groove, drilling/tapping, etc. or to cut off the unused portion that sticks out through the hub for better clearance in some chassis?  This has been ok in the past on hondas and is worded as such in the rule book, but the animal rules say no modifications.  If it is allowed, can the wording in the rulebook be changed to reflect that?

Thanks,
Dave McPherson