Outer Limits 4x4 Board

G'day guys, I've got a problem that I can't seem to solve.
A couple of weeks ago I got a horrible grinding when decelerating. My first thought was transfer case. I've had issues with it before and only fixed the problem part. I pulled the TC out and did a total rebuild. Everything went smoothly and she's all back together. Only thing is, that sound is still there. I'm pretty certain it's a stuffed bearing (or bearings) somewhere. I dropped the oil in both diffs and the gearbox. All looked O.K. I've removed the flange from the rear diff, the pinion seems to be firm with no play. I removed the front diff flange and found a fair bit of play in the pinion. I immediately thought AH HA, but then I went outside and looked at my other disco, which already has the front diff flange removed and it also has a fair amount of play in the pinion.
Now I'm really worried that I've got to pull out the gearbox and do a rebuild on it too
Can anybody help shed some light on this issue for me?
I didn't originaly think gearbox as the noise is evident in all gears.
I'm still hoping that it's the front diff as that will be the easiest to repair

Could be anything.....handbrake drum, front or rear bearings of diffs, CVs etc.

Try jacking it up and running it through the gears and get someone to look/listen to isolate the problem area. Even disconnect the drive shafts to see which end it is if necessary.

sounds like a diff to me quiet on drive but noisy on over run

Disconnected the front shaft tonight and ran her through the gears. 3rd was a bit noisy, reverse is very noisy. Started the removal process tonight. Had to stop early to watch Supernatural though. I'll have more time tommorrow night, so I should get the box out and start striping it down.

reverse will be noisy its straight cut

what are ur shafts like mine growl on decel due to huge angle and a buggered uni