this may be a retarted question, but if i remove one or both of my axle shafts to replace my bearings can i do it without having to open up my differential or will the stuff inside fall down when i pull them out? i know little to nothing about cars and i should probably take my car to someone who does but im too cheap lol

 

the way our rears are designed you can't do anything to the diff without removing the axles first, so yes you can remove them without causing harm to the diff. Be sure to drain teh fluid first as it will spill out of the axle openings. However, replacing those bearings isn't a novice's job, are you just planning on pulling them out yourself them bringing them somewhere to be pressed off/on? cause thats what I would suggest given what you said about your skill level. good luck.

 

i wasnt about to try to press them on myself but there is a machine shop down the street form me that would do it pretty cheap

 

To remove the axles, get a short length of chain, put two lug bolts back in their holes in the hub, through the chain and then use a length of wood or similar and jerk the chain, the axles will just let go and slide out. This is the easiest way I've found without spending money on a dedicated axle puller.