96 rear end went out

T, need help, please the rear end end went out due to leaking axle seals.I bought a 1995 by mistake, stupid me!They do not refund $$ and a 96 rear end costs $700-1000. Of which they do not have.I was told by them (junk yard) that you can take the 3rd member out and put in in the 96 rear end and replace axle seals and it would work. My son who will be doing the work says he does not think this will work as the 96 rear end has imploded (his words). And they are just too different.?Also has a sensor on the 95 rear end that he is not sure where it would go. Is it even possible to put 95 parts in a 96 and make it work?Any ideas or suggestion are welcome.