Never in my life would I have thought it would come to this

If you think $1K is to much for a rear that is not junk (IMO bolt in), look up what the parts cost to renew a 8 3/4 today. Dr Diff sells good parts at good prices and it costs around $500 for bearings, seals, and clutch suregrip parts to go thru one. Tack on more $ if the ring and pinion need to be changed.