little update-
Was trying to confirm if I had a bad 3rd without pulling it - Dropped the drivershaft and spun the passenger side and held my hand on the pinion flange, could feel the diff pulsating through the flange. Knew that couldn't be good, so I pulled the tires and drums off. Following the Haynes, I drained the diff fluid, which I had just replaced not long ago. It came out looking like chocolate milk??? The drain plug had about an inch of shavings on it. When I spun on the driver side wheel, the passenger side would spin. But not vice versa.

Off to the store to get a flare wrench to take the brake line off. I think I am going to put 4.56 gears back in. gotta pick them up tomorrow. Overall, this has been easier than I thought it would be. But then again, I'm not done yet <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />