Gen 2 2wd rear axle seal replacement

My 2013 Tacoma is only driven 6 mo out of the year (we're snowbirds) I returned to find a small puddle of gear oil had leaked out of the rear of the axle between the brake backing plate & axle. The bearing should still be good, no noises. My question concerns pulling the axle:

Can I pull the axle while leaving the emergency brake shoes & hardware attached to the backing plate?

I'm thinking I'll need to disconnect the brake line, & emergency cable & unbolt the plate from the axle & I should be able to pull it as an assembly.
I couldn't find a YouTube video on seal only replacement.
Any input is appreciated.

Thanks

 

You have to disconnect the e-brake cable. Other wise you won’t have enough slack to pull the axle out.
I find it easier to remove the shoes and hardware. (You need to clean them anyway).
The backing plate is sandwiched between the bearing and axle. It will come off with the axle. You can “remove it” without removing the bearing assembly.