I'm planning my big project for this summer, the R&R of the rear axles and rear brake rebuild.
I would like to make sure that I have all the parts I'm going to need ready prior to starting the work, and I'm wondering just exactly which parts will need to be replaced and which can be reused.
For example, do the rear wheel bearings "have" to be replaced? or can they be repacked and reused? Can they be repacked in place?
I know I will need the axles and the differential seals for them. I'm planning on getting new rotors and new pads. And I plan on purchasing a big tube of locktite. But what other must have parts should I be looking at here?

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'83 300D (220000 miles and counting)

Most of your questions could be answered by reading the subject you need in the below links.
Ounce you get your Rear Wheel off and the Brake Caliper off the Brake Rotor on the Rear just pulls off.
Neither Pulling the Rotor off or removing the Rear Axle/s mess with any of the inards where the Wheel Bearings and their seals are.
When you read the DIY link on changing the Rear Bearings you will see that it is a big enough job all by itself that it is not something to do unless you have a Bad Bearing.

DIY Repair Links
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diy-links-parts-category/

http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/DoItYourSelf

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

For the Rear Brakes.
If the Rear Brake Hoses have never been replace I would replace them also.

If you are going to rebuild your own Calipers I would hold off on the parts for them until you have them apart and see what condition they are in. Some Members have had Calipers that the Pistons were frozen in and they could not remove the Pistons.
It is also possible to have pitted Pistons and ever badly pitted Caliper Bores. Depending on the condition of your original Calipers you might decide you want rebuilt ones.

When you do the Axles besure to keep the original Spacers that are on the Differential end of the Axle. They may stay in the Differential when you pull the Axles or the may stick and come out with the axle.

Also this just may have been a problem with myself but when I ordered the Differential Seals I ended up with 2 Pinion Shaft Seals and had to reuse the old ones. I would not pull the Old ones out until you have the new ones in your hands and know they are the correct ones.
I was lucky as the Old Seals have not leaked in the two years since the Axle exchange.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

I decided to go with re-man axles from Napa. I 'm still waiting for my rotors and brake pads. I have a few questions about the axles I got from Napa, one of the boxes they came in looked rather beat up and may have been dropped. The inside of the box has a large oil stain in it and the instruction sheet they provide was also soaked in oil. I'm worried about the axle having been damaged or leaking. Should I take it back and ask for another? Or am I being paranoid? The other thing I noticed was that the cans on the axles were different (both homokinetic) yet the "business" ends look the same and the over all length is the same. The boot clamps are different also, and I guess I was expecting things to be pretty much identical. Should I just throw them on, they come with a 3year warranty. Or should I hold out for a matched set? Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Doug

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'83 300D (220000 miles and counting)

take some pics and throw them up here.
how different are they? I've read that the different styles of axles are interchangeable.

Well, I've done it. Spent all day yesterday on a marathon wrench session. I rented space at a local place with a hoist for $75. Boy am I glad I did. I ran into just about every issue that I've read about here on the forum. I got two slightly different axles from Napa, the first one slid right in and was really easy. the other side wasn't as easy. the shaft that slides into the differential was slightly too large, this was a real pita. But it's all together not and no leaks yet. In addition to the axles and rear brakes I replaced the transmission mount and differential mount.Took it out for a spin today and it sounded much better.

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'83 300D (220000 miles and counting)