rat,
I'll be in the same situation as you very soon while I'm replacing my entire front axle assy. No matter what, I will drop and clean out the sludge in the pan and replace it's gasket.
Also no one has yet to answer part of my original question which was if replacing neoprene seal if you still need to loosen the other caps to allow the crank to drop a tad like you would when replacing the rope type seal.

Craig

My '50 Chevy 3100 5 window, '62-235cu, 3:55 rear
My truck ....... Respect The Rust
If I'm not working on my truck, '65 m00stang or VW camper, I'm fishing with the wife or smoking Salmon.