May need to rebuild rear end, need advice!

[Corts60]

Hey all,

So this afternoon I was just doing some maintenance and lifted the rear end to check the brakes. After I was through and putting the tires back on, I spun the wheels by hand while it was still on the jack stands and there was a distinct noise coming from the differential that sounded like the ticker on the wheel of fortune wheel. You know what I mean? Dub, dub, dub, dub......

So, I am thinking I have a wiped out bearing in there. Also, I have considerable play in the yoke, maybe a half inch play or more. I know this rear end has probably over 200,000 miles on it so I am looking for advice on how exactly to go about rebuilding the rear end and what the costs involved may be.

It is a 3:73 open, 12 bolt. The truck is a '78 shortbox Silverado 1/2 ton. Not sure if this matters, but this number was stamped onto the axle tube 3896839.

What all is involved in the rebuild? Do I need new gears if there is a lot of play? How hard is it to replace the carrier bearings?

Thanks for the help!

-Cort