ea81 D/R

 

pops out of 1st gear and 4th on occasion.

takes a longer throw to get it into 4th. (normal?) as compared to 2nd.

when I let up on gas, it kind of whines a bit as it coasts.... (wheel bearings, axle, or tranny?)

 

I hate tranny swaps....

From the sounds of it, you might be looking at one:-\

Wheel bearings usually rumble/grind.

Axles do the click/pop/rumble

Trannies do the whine/grind and general gear problems.

Unfortunately, sounds like worn synchronizers in the tranny.