Joe's way would let the rear wheels just free-wheel on the bearings, Fred. On the bigger stuff like that, the axle does not hold anything together, it just provides locomotion. As long as you keep the grease in and the dirt out (wooden covers) the wheels will spin free just like a trailer. Better fuel mileage on the tow vehicle and no need to tie up the driveshaft.
Take a BIG breaker bar, though. Those bolts can be a booger to break loose after all this time.
