Axle shaft R&R on 1971 2wd PU

[Dave Burchell <burchell@domain.elided>]

I've been reading the list for a few months now, but have not posted
before.  The accumulated knowledge and wisdom of this group is amazing!
I need to draw on it now because I am stumped.

On the way home from work recently in my 1971 1110 2wd pickup (345 v8,
T34 5-speed) I noticed an alarming (and new) creaking and grating sound.
Closer examination showed it was coming from the right rear wheel.
Hoping for simple brake problems, I pulled the wheel and drum to find
a shot bearing.

So, my question: What is the proper procedure for removal and replacement
of the bearings?  I assume that the axle shaft has to come out, but how?
I removed the four bolts that hold the plate over the bearing (the bolts
you have to get to thru the hole provided in the end of the axle shaft
where the wheel bolts on).  I can wiggle it around a lot but it won't
come out.  The splined shaft moves in and out half an inch or so in the
differential.  What (other than the stuff I have removed) holds it in?
Is there a clip or pin inside the differential I need to remove?

I went to the library and consulted Chilton's, but got nowhere.  It must
be aimed at people who know what they are doing.

Perhaps I should start by figuring out what axle/rear end I have.
Were most all 1970-75 pickups the same (basic) rear end?  Is it a Dana 44?
The line sheet says "14028 0015 5DG   RA28 SR AXLE TRAC-LO3.73".

I should add, by way of doing my part to entertain the list, that I have
at least once been involved with successfully removing an axle shaft.
More than ten years ago we were driving in my Dad's 1974 4wd pickup
(I don't recall who was driving) when the (driver's side) axle shaft
dislodged itself of its own (apparently free) will.  By the time we
came to a stop it was half way in and half way out, but not in the best
of shape!

We pulled the '74 back to the farmyard and (eventually) fixed it.  But we
didn't fix it right, because not too many days after getting it on the
road again the new shaft decided to go on an excursion.  After loosing
two axle shafts I believe my Dad decided to replace the whole axle with
one from a parts truck.

To top off the misadventure, one of my brother's IHC pickups ("Old
Blue", 2wd, 1972?) did the same thing just a few years ago.  And, true
to form, he and my Dad fixed it and they lost _another_ axle shaft.
(Old Blue is currently up on blocks.)

So, for those keeping score at home, its independently-minded axle
shafts, 4; Burchells, 0.  Needless to say, this all made a little more
sense when my Dad and brother came for a visit to help me with my '71.
They could not figure out how to get the sucker out.  Could this be the
same reason they could not figure out how to keep the things _in_?

(Don't get the wrong idea; my Dad and brother usually know what's what;
this longstanding family feud with troublesome axles is unusual.)

So, any ideas?  I can't let another shaft walk out on me -- our family
honor is at stake!

-- 
Dave Burchell                                          40.49'N, 96.41'W
Free your mind and your software will follow.              402-786-5124
http://incolor.inetnebr.com/burchell/                  burchell@domain.elided