Front diff issue figured out. What now?

[dirteater4]

Let me first say, I'm a goof and should have picked up on the issue earlier. I had no idea how much play in the cv axles was acceptable where they connect to the diff. Apparently my spider gears (?) are done. Driving in a straight line fine. Make any turn in either direction, grinding and "thunk" noises. Funny thing is, when I take the diff drop out, the problem nearly goes completely away. I guess the extra angle causes enough pressure to hold them into place better (guessing again).
Now what? Should I pull it and have it repaired at a shop, pull it and have the gears upgraded to 4.88 (I'll do there rear to match), or find a donor and just swap them? It's a 99 limited with e-locker and not my daily driver. A dream would be a SAS. But, I'm not throwing that kind of money at it since I'm passing it to my son in 3 years.
Thanks in advance for the input.

 

[nissanh]

Are the Cv's OEM or aftermarket? How are the splines on CV? Most likely, those splines are worn out than the spiders?

 

[JZiggy]

Diff needle bearings the culprit?

 

[dirteater4]

Are the Cv's OEM or aftermarket? How are the splines on CV? Most likely, those splines are worn out than the spiders?

NAPA. They've only been in there 15k miles. Pulled them 2 weeks ago and they look new.

 

[dirteater4]

Diff needle bearings the culprit?

Maybe. They are located the closest to the CV input, correct?

 

[dirteater4]

If the attached video is a telling sign, it isn't the bearings. I have no issue/noise in 2wd.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHk8hVXzVeI

 

[TheDurk]

Maybe. They are located the closest to the CV input, correct?

There is only one, right behind the oil seal on the driver's side. (The bearing on the passenger side is a big, beefy ball bearing and not usually a problem.) ECGS sells a solid bushing to replace the fragile needle bearing (mine was in pieces) that seems to make a lot of sense. I recently installed it in mine and resolved the vibration/shaft float issue I had. (I am not lifted.)

https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-14472912-toyota-7-5-clamshell-bushingeliminates-needle-bearing.html

 

[dirteater4]

There is only one, right behind the oil seal on the driver's side. (The bearing on the passenger side is a big, beefy ball bearing and not usually a problem.) ECGS sells a solid bushing to replace the fragile needle bearing (mine was in pieces) that seems to make a lot of sense. I recently installed it in mine and resolved the vibration/shaft float issue I had. (I am not lifted.)

https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-14472912-toyota-7-5-clamshell-bushingeliminates-needle-bearing.html

Thanks for the link TheDurk! Were your symptoms close to what I was describing? Pretty much fine going straight (while in 4wd) and thunky mess making turns.