Chrysler 8 1/4 axle end play

My 95 now has 208 thousand miles on it, and the normally noisy rear axle has now developed some nasty new noises, which I think are connected with the fact that both axles have significant (1/8 inch or more) end play. I feel no other play in the bearings. If I read the manual correctly on this, there's no adjustment for end play, and it seems to be handled by the thrust washers under the side gears.

Has anyone dealt with this isssue before - any suggestions? Should I look ofr a new set of thrust washers? Am I in for a total teardown? Of course there's the relatively obvious option of replacing the whole noisy piece of ****, but I'm open to more conservative possibilities.

When mine hit 130,000 I replaced my rear housing and it tightened everything back up just a thought. Good luck