Narrowed 8 3/4 questions

So back to axle adjustment... What kind of bearings are on the axles??? Green bearings are a sealed bearing set and tapered roller bearing (original) have a set of tapered roller bearings and a race. Post a picture of the axle bearings on the axle if this is greek to you.

Green bearings are not adjustable and don't need adjusters or thrust buttons in the center of the diff.

Roller bearings MUST have functioning adjuster set up and it should be on the passenger side (swap axles side to side). All Sure Grip units, whether clutch or cone style NEED a thrust block (buttons). If you have 2 people you should be able to get on both sides and feel each other pushing the axles back and forth between you. If it is not there (or only one half of the set is there) you may be able to adjust the axle with the adjuster, but the other axle will never be adjusted since they are adjusting against each other.

You need to get this all squared away before you drive the car again and before you can figure out the situation with the brakes.