Rear Diff - Front Pinion Bearings

[MilkmanDan]

All,

Get formalities out of the way, I have tried a good search.

Now, the problem. Rear end started squeaking and turning into a clacking on load. Jacked the back up and get a very noticeable squeaking from front of diff snout. Im taking a stab its the front needle bearing on the input shaft race has tuned to pieces and the rollers are somehow holding in there, just.

Anyone had similar issue, just to verify my thoughts before I go pulling the diff out.

Cheers