Well I got motivated!
I tore into the rear axle first... Got the everything apart. The big PITA was pulling the old carrier bearings off...
Made a trip to Harbor freight this morning - and pick up a split bearing puller. Even with it the carriers did not want to budge - hit 'em a few times with the air hamer. Then cut a slit in 'em with the dremel. One popped right off the other broke. A few more tries with the puller & air hammer it came off.
I will prolly milk this for a while - I have to wait until I get some tools back from a friend to do the front. I want to replace the front axle U-joints while I swap gears.
Still need to set up the new stuff in the rear. Just glad to get it all apart w/o much drama.