Broken Planetary...Ouch!!!

Here's one for ya!!!

I was out having some good old jeep'in fun this winter...up in the snow...off-road chains on all four tires (no lockers yet)...and just had a great time. I pulled out four other rigs that had gotten stuck and then made it 200 yards further than any other rigs had gone.

The next day I was heading up to the moutains again (snow shoeing this time) when there was a loud bang and then a clanking noise. I wasn't able to find the problem right away but finally did (I love those automotive stethescopes). Apparently, the planetary broken when I was crawling or towing up in the mountains and settled in the bottom of the diff. The next day, the road was somewhat washboard and it kicked a broken piece up into the pinion and ring. Thats the part that hurts!!!!

Questions:

1. Do I dare replace the ring and pinion myself? I have heard plenty of stories...all bad! But, is it really that difficult if I am willing and interesting in doing the job right?

2. Does anyone have any experiences with a cable actuated locker? I saw one in the Jeep Catalog and it looks nice. I had been saving for air lockers but think this might be even better.