The gasket and oil deflector are held in place by the wheel studs on the inside of the axle flange, and unless the gasket is severely compromised (any oil on the outside of the deflector opposite the drain hole?) then there's no need to remove the wheel studs to replace the gasket. The deflector is supposed to route oil seepage to the outside of the axle flange and brake drum. The best way to remove the wheel studs is with a ball joint press (see pic) that's way easier than driving them out with a hammer and potentially damaging something. Check to be sure that your axle tube vent is not clogged, which will force oil out the axle seals as the axle heats up while driving.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truck Follow this saga in Project Journal Photos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.
