Eli. I would just swap the whole front diff and the whole rear axle. No need to remove the carriers. If the gears run fine in the 4.88 truck then...if it ain't broke... Don't bother about checking gear contact patterns. I wouldn't open that potential can of worms. The only reason I disassembled the carrier on my locking axle was because the actuator was leaking. Otherwise, I would have happily thrown the whole thing on as is.

The front diff swap is worst than the rear axle. Rear axles aren't held on by much <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> Overall, this way will cost you less and will be less hassle. Borrow the big torque wrench from Autozone.

I would change the gear after after the swap. You are welcome to borrow my oil hand pumps (1 qrt or 4 qrt).

You want to get this done before Hallowharrie? Get those wrenches out man! I wish I had time to help you out <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />