This sounds like you have diagnosed the problem correctly. If memory serves me right, your 8in rearend has self adjusters on it. You must go thru the adjuster hole and hold the lever away from the star wheel so that you can rotate in back in, also sometimes the drum will be siezed on the axle flange, put pressure on the drum with two pry bars and rap the center of the axle to try and break it loose(WD40 also may help around the flange. After you get it off use brake cleaner to get all that grease etc. off the brakes and backing plate. Rotate the axle untill the large hole in the flange lines up with one of the 4 bearing retainer nuts. Remove nuts one at a time and then pull axle out of housing, without a press to remove bearing and collar, you probably will have to take it to a shop and have it done, they can install the new one also. The seal can be removed with a slide hammer puller or other more primitve ways. A good seal installer or homemade one is needed to install the new one. Inspect all parts for wear etc.and replace axle in reverse order. Check wheel cyl for leakage and brake shoes too. Probably be good idea to check other side while your at it. By the way, please use jack stands and work safe at all times. This should be a Saturday project and maybe check before hand on the shop with press, to find out when they can get to it. Good luck and learning by doing is very satisfying but sometimes frustrating, a good repair manual will help.