This is what I have done to a Dana 60 leaving axles intact but pulled the gears.Using a 6" piece of a 4x4 with 1 5/8 holes drilled about 2' holes drilled in each end. After pulled gears, reistalled axles, measured gap between them. Cut and drilled 4x4 and fill holes with grease then installed in axle as carrier, put cover back on. Then filled with gear oil, one quart more than required and installed the pinion plug.Pluged pinion hole with a plumers removable plug, the type that is used to water test rough plumbing.