Those gears are pretty <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

I would just replace the spider gears and inspect the cross shaft really well. A lunch box is a great locker for us poor college kids who want to keep up with the nicer rigs but can live with crap. The back lash on a lunch box is horrible and can really change your on-road driving habits. Since you plan on upgrading to a 44 don't waste the money on a locker that will be part of a boat anchor... I'd repair what you have now and throw the money you saved into the 44 fund.