Had a bit of spare time before I go to work so finally dropped the diff out, fook me its heavy and awkward, Not the easiest to lower the jack and hold the dam thing on the jack while scrambling for something to cut the dam breather hose that will not come off!
Also had to use a hammer and chisel to free the rust holding the propshaft to the diff coupling, was a last resort as not matter how much tapping or wiggling it would not budge, hasnt left any marks I can see but will defo need a clean up of the rust
Plan was to lift it in the house to work on it but think I will open it outside first... after a clean up. Still need to order the new bearing etc but will wait to see the state of the insides first before I start pestering Ewen.