The Yoke will slide off of the pinion gear. Heat up the yoke not the threaded part. if you plan on changing gears you can hit the threaded part with the hammer, but if you were to keep the gears, just hit the yoke. its just stuck from years of rust and crud. the threaded part is part of the pinion gear. behind the yoke is the pinion seal and outer pinion bearing. because you dont have the carrier in, the housing the pinion gear will fall out when the yoke is taken off so watch your toes. and the inner bearing will come with it (they are pressed on) dont forget to knock out the bearing races. Gears will all depend on the trans you choose. 6, 5, 4, speeds will all dictate what gear choice would be best. I posted a pic and description for you, it might help. dont mind the queer font i used. Yes the smooth part of the axle is where the wheel bearing rides if is still smooth your golden if not the make a "reedy sleeve" or repair bearing. I only ask about the disc brakes cause its not that much more to up grade and if you plan on redoing all the brakes, including M/C you would be better of. Disc brakes are by far better the drum no matter what how you plan drive your truck. i also took my truck apart. to do the body work. I used four wooden carts from harbor freight to wheel my cab around the shop, and when it was time to start body work, I just put four Jack stands on them to raise the truck. the cab is only a couple hundred pounds, and the carts will hold the weight.
