finally got it done. put in new spider gears, pin, locking bolt, left axle and pinion oil seal. then i filled it up with 70w-90 mobile 1 syn. gear oil. For all the work i hardly notice a difference driving. But i know my rear end is no longer getting ripped apart. i guess my work paid off in peace of mind.

 

I hope you put the pinion nut back exactly where it was before you took it off (# of threads showing on shaft), so you don't end up ruining your r&p gears.

 

Yes I did. I counted the number of threads and marked the shaft, nut and knuckle.