1999 K1500 5.7 Suburban front end noise when turning left

[Borguy]

When turning left I hear (and feel a little) a kind of grinding noise from the front. Only when turning left.
It seems to come from the wheels (bearing hub ?) but I'm not sure...

When I took a look underneath I noticed the left side of the diff being all wet. The oil is leaking from the seal and the diff shaft has a lot of play...
Checked the oil level and it was still OK.

Could that be the problem ?

I'd like to repair this asap but it's my only car so I was wondering if it is possible to drive without the diff, diff shafts and the axle shaft.
I don't think the wheel hubs need a diff shaft to stay on the car
But how about the transfer case. Can it be driven without the front drive shaft?
This way I still have a car and I can wait for the parts to come in without being worried to break or wear something out inside the diff.

Thanks

Borguy

[chuck's]

Not recommended.When you remove the axle shafts the hub bearings are now exposed to the elements.I am going to suspect a hub bearing.If you can,raise each front wheel and rotate the wheel by hand.If either side has a rough feel to it, or sounds different than the other,I would suspect the hub bearings.The front drive shaft should spin freely when the front diff is not locked (2 wheel drive).How do the front brakes feel.Any pulsations?Worn front bearings will not allow the rotor to rotate true.
Chuck's