Sand blasting
My two cents!
I've sand blasted both of my axles and I use a sand blaster for most paint removal on most things. Make sure if the axles are assembled that you tape and safeguard any seal areas like the pinion seal and ball joints. If you have the axles out of the housing I personally would leave them alone. If you hit the bearing or seal surfaces with the sandblaster you will ruin the axles. If the axles are out of the housing, stuff the housing ends with rags or something then seal them with duct tape. I found that duct tape works best. Take your time here; sand and gears... not good.
I hope this helps!
Ed.
