help w/ Yukon axles & thrust spacers

i have just installed LBP Yukon axles on my dart and i have a 742 case with 3.91 gears and the Dana Power Lok (clutch type) sure grip. do i have to remove the axle thrust spacers? if so how? they seem to be deep in there. also does anyone have an easy way to remove the pinion nut? i want to swap out yokes small for large. thanks