Dang plopped these in the wrong thread… the boys got done with their end of the project one whole class period early… got both axles totally stripped (sans inner axle bearings, not sure I’ll replace them yet).
They high fives and smiles all around when the last Diff ker-plopped out of the housing. Good times.
@WarDamnEagle for the win with the paint scraper/tool recommendation. Thin enough to get in between the diff and housing and strong enough to take a few healthy hits from the dead blow hammer.
I’m going to clean the axles, paint them and have the new parts ready for reassembly when they return in January.
I’m going to buff the paint and stick around with a few tedious things while they are on break. A few asked if they could come work with me on their off time

I told them I’d buy the pizza and Red Bull and we’d tackle a few engine and electrical things that need attention.
The front was covered in sludge but at least oily! We’re going to swap front to rear like was suggested above.
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Rear diff finally gave up the bond, I wonder the last time these were separated. You gotta’ keep ‘em separated… Offspring. Good tunes.
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Lots of rust on the ring gear. Didn’t seem to whine when I ran it, should clear up with some spirited driving. I’ll likely take a scotch bright pad and some rust cleaner to it. Likely left undriven for a few years at some point. The rear was so rust colored and low on oil it was nuts. However the bearings and backlash seem to be acceptable. I’ll know more after we clean them up.
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Quick question, it’s been 15 years since I replace a pinion seal at the flange, can this be done without removing the carrier and pinion?
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