I am restoring my 1970 series 2b SWB from scratch and wanted to ask if I should sandblast the axle by securing the Diff rim somehow? Or to take them out completely? What are the precautions for both front and back axles. Thank you!

Tricky. Almost impossible to stop the grit getting in. I used duct tape extensively when I did the complete back axle on my 101, sort of worked, but it was a Salisbury, so well sealed. I used wooden blanks to seal the front axle on my lightweight, but grit got in.

So I used a wire brush on a grinder for the next axle, much lower risk. Worked as well, but a lot slower....