Well, having technical difficulty with the camera: however, I was too excited to post up the progress over the long weekend, so you will have to read instead of slober over your keyboard with the eye candy.
Erik opened his shop up for the axle rebuild (and his parts boxes) and we were able to get the entire axle built up. It looks awesome, and it is also done right!
First, Erik has the SST, that precisely determines the shims needed to center the axle and keep your seals intact.
Second, Erik has the original factory service manual to describe exactly how to do the work.
Finally, Erik has the knowledge in his noggin' to know what do to do, and what not to do, to make this rebuild last!
So, this 1975 axle with Mini truck fine spline birfs is ready for the transplant into the 1968. Hopefully, I can get it swapped in soon. I need to order the tapered things for the tie rod ends, and a bunch of parts to replace all that we used from Erik's boxes.
Thanks Erik for your time and expertise, and mostly for teaching, not doing the work. As you said, I should be able to help others now after having done it.
Also, thanks to Jenn for putting up with all the noise on your day off!
Cheers!