Time for an update. I replaced the pinion bearings but the rear gears still hums on the coast side. When I did that I also found that it needed new wheel bearings so I replaced those at the same time. The gears looked good so I'm not concerned about the little bit of noise.
Now on to the front diff. Back when I had the issue with the trans I also had a light vibration in the steering. I figured that it was either caused by the hubs or carrier/pinion bearings. So I pulled the axles and installed just the outer stubs and the vibration went away. I then picked up new carrier bearings and took the carrier out to replace them but the old bearings looked good. That's when I discovered the pinion had 3 (out of 9) chipped teeth.
I'd left the carrier out of the front and was driving it that way until I had the cash to buy the new ring and pinion but one day Phil called and asked if I'd fixed the front end yet. He wanted to go wheeling in his new 2007 Land Cruiser FJ100 but wanted me to come along just in case. I reinstalled the carrier so I could go with him but we ended up not going. So now that it's back in I have a light vibration in the front end. I should be able to buy the new ring and pinion after the holidays but for now it's at least drivable. Below 60 mph it doesn't vibrate at all, you can only feel it above that so anytime I drive on the freeway it's there.
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