2004 Tahoe LT Front Differential Noise

[Frank Seaton-Gilford]

About a month ago I began to experience some front end noise that got louder with acceleration, sounded like worn bearings along with the Service Tire Monitor appearing on my dash. Not knowing much and doing minimum research, I replaced both wheel hubs thinking it would solve my issue. It didn't so now I've been doing more reading and coming to the conclusion of it being the differential bearings. A lot of what I read, others have issues with it being in 4Hi or 4Lo, mine never comes out of 2Hi. I've also read that there's a way to bypass the differential, is this true? If so, how efficient is it? I have a long distance trip coming up soon and a little nervous about driving in these conditions not knowing exactly whats going on. Thanks