Weird rear end issue. Fluid e'rwhere!

[Schurkey]

Yes. The axle shafts have to come out to replace the axle seals. When the axle shafts are out, inspect the bearing and sealing surfaces for defects. Not uncommon for the axle shafts to be so worn that no seal is able to keep the fluid in--the axle shaft(s) have to be replaced. The pinion yoke has to come off to replace the pinion seal--and that requires some precision to get the nut holding the yoke appropriately tight again.

Of course, the axle vent needs to be checked to assure it's not blocked, and water can't get in; and the rear cover will have to be re-sealed.

Take the fill plug out before starting work. That way you don't drain the fluid and have to resort to re-filling the axle via the vent hose.

 

[Agent_667]

Having just had a similar sort of thing occur, take a peek at your rear shocks and see if ones blown out and shot all its fluid everywhere. The fluid inside is clear and slightly oily so it clings as you described. Unbolting bottom of my shock caused it to jettison off the piston and shoot its fluid everywhere like that.