'79 K20 axle issues

[zac]

'79 K20 350/th400/203/10 bolt/14 bolt ff


I thought I was ready to go, but then I hear a funky noise from the front right during some turns and braking. Comes and goes. Afraid it might be pinion bearing. Front right wheel bearings loose, pitted, missing spring retainer in hub both sides. I buy all new parts, but pop the cover off the diff (10 bolt) just in case. Strange burrs sticking up off ring gear in some places. Pinion depth setting off? I bought a used 10 bolt with 3.42's that I was going to use later when I was ready to swap the rear gears or axle (14 bolt full float), but now I'm thinking I might as well just go for it, since trying to put that front axle back in service may just be a waste of time. Stupid me, I thought a 3.42 14 bolt rear or gears would be easy to find and cheaper than the 4:10's or 4:56's. So I can buy new gears for the rear, I guess. I have read through the 14 bolt bible and all that. Has anyone here done the gear swap themselves? Is it really that easy?