Tear down has begun

Well I began tearing the '55 down yesterday and all went really well. Now I have a rolling frame with an engine and a pile of body parts. After I pressure washed the frame I noticed that my diffs had a tag 43/8 which told me I have the 5.38 gears so I took the front cover off to see if I was lucky enough to have a powrlok and unfortunately I do not. But the one question I do have is what is the best way to clean out the housing and all without taking the gears and carrier out? I do not want to completely rebuild the axles at this time just clean them up. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

that would work on the outside of the housing....
for the innards, I'd use solvent and a brush, rotating the gears around
some folks say not to use carb spray or brake cleaner
ymmv

 

I think I will just use paper towels and get the majority of the gunk out and put the cover back on and fill it up. Also I have never seen this on both my diff covers there is a vent. At fist I thought that someone added them after but after I cleaned up the front cover, atleast the front vent, it is definately not a barnyard mechanic job. I will probably get and elbow and vent it up higher, but has anyone ever come across this.

 

the vent on the cover is factory
good idea to run it higher if you are gonna be in the water

 

Thanks I thought so, and yes water crossing are a very common thing around here