I know this has probably been posted 100 times but my phone wont let me work the forum search...soo if someone wouldn't mind just giving me a quick summary on how to get them out that would be great. Do the drum brakes need to come off?
The drums need to come off, but not the brakes themselves. It's a good idea to get a diff cover gasket because they work better and easier than using RTV on the re-install.
After you've raised & supported the rear of the car, remove all but the top two diff cover bolts, then carefully pry the cover loose at the bottom and drain it into a pan. You will cover your arm with stinky-ass diff fluid in the process, so don't wear any clothes you plan on bringing back in the house.
Remove the top 2 bolts and remove the cover.
Rotate the diff until you can access the cross-pin retainer bolt, which comes out with 12-pt 12mm socket. Push the pin in about an inch, then rotate the diff til the pin is pointing out at you. Pull the pin.
Push one axle into the diff and remove its c-clip with a magnet. Then carefully slide it out, and I mean careful so you don't bugger up the seal. Repeat for the other side. Now's a good time to bang the old bearings and seals out and replace them. It's also a good time to re-shim the trac-lok for tighter action.
A word of advice, when you take out the bolt to get the center pin out keep your finger against the back side of the pin so that it doesnt fall out the back end, ive had them do that and get wedged between the carrier and the housing. You want to keep pressure as you are removing the bolt and then as the bolt comes out push the pin towards you. Oh BTW the pin retaining bolt is smaller than 12 mm it is I believe 9 mm.