I have searched and found a ton of information, Just wanted to get this straight.
I remove the axle nut (big MM) and it should slide in the direction of the differential, at least it should with some pressure LOL. I'm readying my car for a trip (1300 miles) to my buddies body shop. Stripping the car down leaving just the basic shell.

 

Basically yes. You also might need to remove some the suspension arms from the knuckle so that you can angle the knuckle away from the axle, giving it more room to slide out the back.

 

A lot of pressure.

 

are you taking the CV joints out of the diff as well?

 

Thanks guys, I was able to remove the axle and diff like you said with a big hammer, lube and heat. Since I'm towing it behind my CL65 AMG (you have no idea how much crap I took from the Mercedes board when I fabbed up a hitch ) no reason to just spin my rear-end all the way to Washington.