I think you should just pull the 3rd member. It really doesn't take too long to do and that way you would know for sure that you won't damage your gears. I think it's worth the piece of mind. I would say the actual work takes about 4 hours, aside from the 24 hour RTV dry time. Maybe 3 if you're fast about it.
You just have to:
1) Put the rear axle on jack stands
2) Drain the diff oil
3) Remove the tires
4) Disconnect the pins for e-brake from each side
5) Disconnect the break lines from each side and cap them with a piece of plastic and a rubber band so they don't leak all your break fluid on the ground
6) Remove the 4 bolts per side for each axle and pull the axles making sure not to put pressure on the seals
7) Disconnect the 4 bolts that connect the rear drive shaft from the 3rd member
8) Unbolt the 10 bolts for the 3rd member, and pull it out. It's a little heavy, so be prepared
When you're putting it back together, you have to use RTV to seal the 3rd member. The directions are on the RTV, but you clean the mating surfaces, apply a thick bead of RTV, put the 3rd member in position, and then only tighten the bolts finger tight. Let the RTV dry for an hour and then turn the bolts another 1/4 to 1/2 turn. After the RTV cures in 24 hours, I'd snug the bolts up. Then installation is the opposite of removal. Make sure you bleed the brakes too.
I will say that this really sucks but at the same time, it's a little funny in the wtf sense. Some times you just have to laugh at how ridiculous the situation is and how long it's going to take you to fix the problem. I've definitely had all sorts of wtf moments doing auto work, but this is a new one on me. Good luck getting this worked out:thumb3: