I would say that the pinion bearing has started to go opening the lash gap. I opened up mine one time and the end tips if the pinion gears flowed out.
Alrighty then.. Just got done putting things back together. Here's what I found.
1. B/L was wide. .013" checking in different areas.
2. Gear pattern has shifted. Now very low on the drive side and very high on the coast side.
3. I hear (even with my bad hearing) a subtle clickity/clack from deep inside the housing, but only in one area of rotation.
My thoughts are that, like rowin4 has suggested, a pinion bearing is starting to go.
I'm going to try and nurse it through the summer. Will install a new gear set this winter. Wish me luck!!!!
