You need to inspect all the components. If you have a lot of shavings, then you likely need to replace all the bearing & races. A master overhaul kit should have everything you need as far as bearings, etc, go (but you gotta check to be sure).
On my D44 outta an '08 Jeep, I took everything, and I mean everything apart. Pulled all bearings & races. Disassembled carrier and replaced clutch packs (limited slip), replaced all bearing cups (races) and bearings. Be sure to check the pinion bearing. If a lot of shaving got up in there, the bearing won't last long. If you have not taken a diff apart, I would (at minimum) have a buddy with me that has done it before. Everything has to be put back exactly as it came out and in the D44 the proper pre-load on the crush washer/sleeve is needed of the pinion bearing is toast.
I haven't opened up my trucks axles and hope not to have too for the life of the truck (only has 3300 miles). You might be able to salvage the gears... at least for a while. Good Luck and keep us updated.
... btw, if the growling / grinding is getting louder fast, don't wait too long. If the diff ceases up while you're driving, it could be catastrophic. There is no time frame I can give you. When I took mine apart, I reused the gears (only very small pitting) and the pinion bearings because the kit I got was not the overheaul kit, only the master install kit and I didn't have time to wait for the additional bearing and cups. But 2 years later, the grinding came back. I pushed it on mine until the rear started jerking a little. Scared the s^$% outt me and drove it straight to the 4x4 shop to have it ALL replaced.
