Rear Axle cleaning

[LeoH]

I had planned to just spray some red paint along 2 of the sides to line up the pieces.

[LeoH]

Thank you for the thorough explanation, particularly the point about keeping the orientation of the zerk fittings. I'll keep a copy with me out at the garage.
For whatever it was worth, when I did have the truck in gear and I was fiddling with the driveline last night, it turned very easily. I didn't think to try to wiggle anything, but the carrier bearings certainly aren't hanging up any.