I don't think you can do the job from the top. I suggest also that you check your rearend fluid level. The seal behind the bushing in the tube could be bad and allowing fluid to run back into the rearend. If you get enough over full in the rearend it could get past the axle seals and into the brakeshoe area.
I've checked and don't have any fluid getting past the axle seals. Not only that, but there is a big puddle directly under my transmission.
