Thanks, Ads!
I figured somebody would have had a similar issue. It would have been nice if this happened in the summer but I guess I don't use 4wd as much then.
Found a whole front housing assy. with guts from a 1999 36,000mi wreck I'd guess. Price is right so if the shipping is reasonable I'd rather just swap it out for time savings and ease...
As I'd have a spare housing sitting around I'd probably keep an eye out for a lsd anyway as I'd like to eventually retire it from daily driver (2 kids the wife + gear make it seem a lot smaller than it is) and put it on 31x10.5 rubber. Still, it continues to surprise me the places I can take it on 205/75R15 El Cheap-o all seasons.