RCKnight....
Jason (ProTC3) has said before that the diff cases can come off without removing the top deck. The Top deck looks secured to the outisde lower housing mouts. There are also 2 holes in the deck to gain access to the bearing cover screws on the housing.
If you remove all the screws I presume the upper housing will lift and slide out the front.
Can't wait to get one of these to try.
Andy