Well, I got it.
looks like the "Profanity Rule" holds once again.

For the record, in teh end, here's the process that worked for me.
I took off the front X-member, set it aside.
Set the diff on the jack so it was kinda balance, but mostly supported on teh back end. Jacked it up so that the back (pinion end) was sticking up. Of course it was flopped over to 1 side b/c of the inequality of teh weight.
Pulled out the front driveshaft a little, finageled everything until I coudl attach the pinion to the driveshaft.
Once the back was connect, I then re-jacked the base of the diff, and lifted it as possible... just managed to get the bolt into the driver's side support, just a thread or two.
From tehre it was easy, pushed/pulled til the other side support in a few threads.
Then just used impact wrench to tighten then down, pulling the back of teh diff up a bit.
THEN jack up the front as high as possible, and slip in teh front X-member, drop it down so the front pin is place-able... yer done.
Oh yeah, instal CV axles.

FYI, it's nearly impossible to just raise teh diff into place if the X-member is there. The big bolt flange on the front diff cover will hit it and you can't raise it up.