Well, the case is completely torn down. Everything looks perfect in it, except the shaft I posted pics of in my buildup. Hopefully I will get the rebuild kit on order this next week, as well as a set of twin stick shift rails. The shifters will have to wait, as I think a custom mount will have to be fabbed. I managed to get the bearing retainer surfaces cleaned/polished, although I'm not sure if they're supposed to be smooth or slightly rough. Anyone have any idea?
I took it down to get media blasted today, but half-way through, the vaccum system stopped working. So it's half clean, half rusted. Paint will have to wait until they get it working again. Looks good so far. I don't see any cracks so far (not that I was expecting any). It looks like I will be making some of my own gaskets as well, seeing as how the shift rail ball plug seals are expensive and not included in the standard rebuild kits. Nothing major. I was just glad to see all the gears/shafts in good shape, as well as the case. Everything else is small and can be addressed on a case-by-case basis. I hope to have it completely rebuilt before the middle of February so the crossmember fab can start. Still have to figure out a locker for the front and get the axle rebuilt, rebuild the drivelines, order the yokes/ujoints and get the hub conversion done. Just in time for the snow to stop. It should be good and broke in by next winter, though.