Personally, I would stick with your original plan. Less work and money in the long run and at least you will know what you have. You may be opening a can of worms that you aren't prepared for. It has been explained that the brg/bushing is a reasonably easy fit and the seal can be done with 3 feet of redi-rod. Just my opinion.

 

i think a front axle housing swap would be a lot harder than replacing a bearing and seal. it'll require the removal of a lot of big parts.

if you take it all apart and replace the seals, both bushings. check/clean up the burrs on axle splines and collar. install a posi-lock, and replace axle u-joints, then you're done for a long long time.

http://www.pavementsucks.com/tech-article-3.html
http://www.pavementsucks.com/tech-article-5.html

 

That sounds like the best plan to me.