OP
Lmao!Adding to this...and correct me @JMT if I'm wrong, that appears to be a Dana 44, and the 2nd horizontal rib on the housing may line up with the pinion...if so...it's pretty high. Maybe more than you think. A jar of water and a marker can tell you alot if you can't get a gauge.
Here's what you need to do. It's Christmas Eve ...walk in the house, tell them Santa ain't coming til his sleigh doesn't have vibes, and get everybody out in the garage to help, Let us know how that works.
Also, and this is really important, it's a good time to tell the kids and grandkids the truth about Santa Clause....he was shot down in a helicopter over the Soviet Union.