I got all the axles out tonight... stumped on how to get the third member off. I hit it with a 5 pound dead-blow; didn't budge. The pinion doesn't have to be removed, does it? I wouldn't think so since it's one piece-type of deal inside the carrier.
One axle's grease is darker than the other so I suspect a leaking axle seal? It's on the short side so it looks like it should be easier to fix. All axles came out fine; only one gave me a slight problem more than the others... except the first one. Now I consider myself an expert at replacing Birfs; got the other 3 out in under an hour.

Hey Dan I got 100 bones for my free Smittybuilt bumper .... and that kid gave it to me for free hahahahah

Slick, I figured it'd go for a little less; like $75 but hey, money is money!