Ultimately what I need is those gears off the hub so I can clean them. I also need to open up the hub because the wheel has resistance on it. The person who's bike it is never said anything about the resistance - I suspect they don't have a clue. The chain and gears need a good scrub down and re-lube for sure, but the resistance has me more concerned. So I want to open it up and see whats what. The axle does spin rough and tight off the bike (spinning the axle in the hub by hand).
I haven't had a chance to work on it yet today. I will get to it here this afternoon or evening. I may have to run out for a few hours.