Wheel bearing/axle post part 2

[The Warden]

Some of you may remember the post I made a couple weeks ago about hearing a roaring sound that sounds like a wheel bearing going out. I think I found what's causing it.

This is, unfortunately, a combination of me not knowing very much about an independent suspension/drivetrain system, coupled with a memory that just plain sucks. I think the left side axleshaft is to blame, or more specifically, my failure to address this earlier.

When I was first driving the car back from Texas back in July, I noticed a thumping sound that wound up going away whenever I pulled the axleshaft towards the wheel. In addition, the rubber boot on the wheel side was torn somewhat. The thumping disappeared, so I unfortunately forgot about this until I took a close look at the rear wheel assembly (I didn't actually remove the wheel, but could see it). The boot is now two separate pieces, and I'm still getting play in the axleshaft. My guess is that any grease that was in there has gone out of the remains of the boot.

So, keeping in mind that I don't know much about this sort of axle setup (I'm used to a solid full-floating axle like what I have on my truck), I'm guessing that, at the very minimum, the boot will need to be replaced along with repacking whatever was greased and is no longer. But, I'm guessing that the axleshaft itself will need to be replaced. And may the diesel gods hav mercy on my soul...

So, here's the big question(s). First, what chance is there that I won't be replacing the whole axleshaft? Second, if so, any idea on a good inexpensive supplier? Third, if I pull and replace the axleshaft (looks pretty straightforward going by the Haynes manual), what else will I need to do? Obviously I'll be changing the differential fluid, but are the wheel bearings integral to the axleshaft, or are they separate enough that pulling the axleshaft won't mess with the wheel bearings? Also, is there anything else that I need to be aware of?

I'm planning on driving home on the 4th, so this needs to be done by then. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Also, if this is something that I won't be able to do myself (I really hope not, but just in case), are there any recommendations for a shop in the southern California area that I could go to? I'm currently about 80 miles north of L.A. in the Antelope Valley, and I'm also on a very tight budget.

Again, thanks in advance!