Eaton HO-52, Need a little advice

[Sklptrljay]

So I bought a trailer made from a Longhorn bed a couple weeks back. It has an Eaton HO-52.

The guy I bought it from removed the guts and axles. According to him it was leaking from the seals and was not roadworthy, so I trailered my trailer home! I got it for $200, it's really well built, has new tires, and a diamond plate tool box, so I didn't concern myself too much with the rear end issue.

Now I need to get it on the road and have a question. If the guts are removed will everything still be lubricated inside? If it's empty so to speak, obviously the friction would be much less. But will a lack of oil flow without the gears be a killer to the bearings?

I still have the guts (though they look like they've been sitting out for a while), and he said he cut the axles.

So, is it screwed for good? I would have no problem swapping a different rear end in if needed. Even a 5 or 6 lug if I had to, but I hope this one can be saved.

I looked and don't see any 8 lug ones locally. Since I have good wheels and tires it would be nice to keep it the same.