another stupid axel question?
 

Now that I have the axels in my new 8.8 rear end, shouldn't I be able to turn the axel shafts to see the gears turn? The old 7.5 rear that I took out do turn.

Is there some sort of lock on the differntial when it's shipped?

I am not completely sure on what your asking but I'll try to answer this one...
There are a set of clips that atach the axles to the carrier. That is what holds them in. They have teeth on the end that fit into the carrier. You don't have to have the clips in to see if the gears will rotate with the axles. The axles might not be in the carrier all the way if they aren't turning. Make sure that the carrier and the axles are the same spline (28 or 31). Also, it's a good idea to make sure that the berrings are in good conditions (inner and outer).