The pinion bearings look and feel good, so I think I will let that one go. I have a new set in case it becomes a problem. The axle ones are pitted from rust, sound dirty, and really need replaced. I pulled both sides today. Slide hammer works really well for that. Cleaning sucks, but to get into the axle housing, I just took a very long threaded rod, put two large washers and sandwiched a shop rag between the nut/washer combo and cleaned the interior. Lots of crud. By the time I am done, this poor old rear end will have a totally new lease on life.
After watching horsepower TV on a C10 rear end, I am paranoid about taking the entire pumpkin apart since they recommended tools I don't have. I think it will be alright on this one.
Having been a machinist for 30+ years I have collected the best of the best for measuring tools and a great deal of experience but these were not enough for me to convince myself that I could set up my new rear gears perfectly on the first try so that I would never have to go back there in my lifetime. IMO one should do it all, do it once, and if somebody who has extensive experience with it is available have them do it or even better help/watch. I paid $400 labor for bushing replacement (NOS) and all adjustments ready to install and the peace of mind was well worth it especially after extensive high speed testing.
