Is it really necessary to replace front diff when you discover play in front axle assembly?

[HEO269]

We have a '14 ram 1500 Laramie, replaced the diff last year with low km used but no warranty cuz it was done by backyard mechanic i know. Spending 3k on new replacement was beyond our means at the time & we trusted guy who did repair. But its now a year later and i was jus told during a routine service this am that my front axles have too much play and a seal has begun leaking on right side of diff and that i have to replace diff again. I have the $ to do it but dont understand why i cant replace jus the front axles. Is this common with ram diffs? Or can i log into rock auto n jus buy front axles and find a new mechanic to replace? Im confused and bought our truck used, i love it and hate it, love it when shes runnin fine but man i hate it when a mechanic tells me bad news. We dont offroad it, we drive primarily asphalt roads with exception of 4 miles of rural gravel road getting to or leaving home. When i grabbed axle where it connects to diff it definitely moves about 1/2" ish. And i did see wet spot where diff fluid is seeping out. Jus wonderin what options are besides puttin match to it. I removed pos 4corner air ride n put in normal suspension. Now i am wondering if i have options for diff prob, thanks in advance for any and all opinions/advice.

 

[Wild one]

We have a '14 ram 1500 Laramie, replaced the diff last year with low km used but no warranty cuz it was done by backyard mechanic i know. Spending 3k on new replacement was beyond our means at the time & we trusted guy who did repair. But its now a year later and i was jus told during a routine service this am that my front axles have too much play and a seal has begun leaking on right side of diff and that i have to replace diff again. I have the $ to do it but dont understand why i cant replace jus the front axles. Is this common with ram diffs? Or can i log into rock auto n jus buy front axles and find a new mechanic to replace? Im confused and bought our truck used, i love it and hate it, love it when shes runnin fine but man i hate it when a mechanic tells me bad news. We dont offroad it, we drive primarily asphalt roads with exception of 4 miles of rural gravel road getting to or leaving home. When i grabbed axle where it connects to diff it definitely moves about 1/2" ish. And i did see wet spot where diff fluid is seeping out. Jus wonderin what options are besides puttin match to it. I removed pos 4corner air ride n put in normal suspension. Now i am wondering if i have options for diff prob, thanks in advance for any and all opinions/advice.

https://www.ramforum.com/threads/2012-ram-1500-front-diff-partial-rebuild.149600/

 

[U&A]

@RLK


Sent while firmly grasping my redline lubed RAM [emoji231]