That's it? So if I tell you to send it you'll do just that?
haha, I recognize the risk in trying to press the sleeve out.
On the other hand, if I just send it, and don't measure backlash and preload, there's a risk of damaging the gearset, thus requiring new bearings and a new gearset, maybe even an entire carrier assembly.
I could do nothing to the sleeve, and it won't hurt anything. The locking tab is fine. I just like replacing things if I can and the cost is not prohibitive (it's like $3 for a new locking tab). But, too much risk involved getting the locking tab out.
But, if I do NOT measure preload and backlash, I risk damaging the differential. There's really no good reason for me NOT to measure those. So if course, I will measure them. I won't just send it. There's way too much to risk by just sending it.
He was also right noting the knurled sleeve. That takes a bit more force than non-knurled surface. Sometimes the knurls take some of the metal off as it passes over the surface. Since the case is aluminum, that's a big risk.