Ok so i finally got the axles out of my 9 bolt to get the carrier out to reshim it. I was originally going to replace the bearings but once i yanked it apart and got a look at them i am rethinking that. They look virtually perfect. I didnt see any bad marks of wear at all. Is it acceptable to toss it all back together without replacing anything?

 

Yes, as long as the seals are still good.

 

Any sure fire way of knowing this? I saw some gunk on the outside of the axle housing (on the axle) but it looked old and there wasnt anything fresh...so..not sure what that means about my seals.

 

It has been a while, but I think you must press the axle bearing off of the axle to change the seal. If this is correct then you might as well replace the bearing if you need to replace the seal. If the seal is still good then use it as is. I don't know how to explain how to check the seal. I know that isn't much help, but it is the best I can do without looking at the seals myself.