Grigg, thanks for the input, I don't have a service manual.
The bearings definitely had a thick grease in them when I disassembled the rear end, not a oil like you would find in the differential. I agree that it shouldn't be fully packed, its just a matter of convincing my dad of that..
as far as the "dished cap" I don't have a photo of the piece, but I do have a photo of where it installs, I just need to figure out if it had any sort of soft seal on it
thanks again
http://i385.photobucket.com/albums/oo291/mack1416/IMG_0947_zpsfcde7c28.jpg
