Just to be clear here, the cannon balls are not a load bearing part. Just as with a RR or LR the load is taken through the top and bottom swivel bearings. The cannon balls are really an indicator of whether the inner axle oil seals have gone and axle oil is leaking out into the hubs. Being dry doesn't tell you much. Being rusty and pitted like some old ship wreck artefact isn't' good, but just dry isn't that much of an indication of anything. The CV grease is a 'stay put' grease and it's pretty darn difficult for it to find its way out onto the ball ends. These are not bearing surfaces that need lubrication. The wiper seals are there as much to keep crud out as they are to keep grease in. So if they are dry and smooth, I'd take that as a positive rather than a minus point. It is important that the CV contains grease, but I have been asking for some while just what exactly is the benefit of packing a tub of CV grease into the hubs actually do? If it basically doesn't migrate at all, why bother? It cant' lubricate the upper swivel bearing under any circumstances. Anti gravity grease?
Dry swivels do not indicate the diff oil level. Wet swivels do. But they aren't what you want to see.
It's all good fun isn't it.
Chris