I think the wheel would lock up... but what do you think will happen if I ignore the grinding sound coming from my Dana 30? Pretty sure its the axle shaft bearing on the driver's side. Hopefully not the pinon bearing...

 

A grinding noise in the front D30 most likely is a worn hub unit bearing. I could also be a front brake caliper dragging. The only way i have found to really isolate between thje 2 is to put the Jeep on jack stands and give the tire a good healthy spin and get your ear really close. The front calipers and pads together are a cheaper fix than the hub unit bearings but if they are bad , they are bad. You can also pull the calipers off, put the tires back on and give them each a spin. If they still grind with the calipers off you know you have bad hub unit bearings. Just remember whether it be a bad hub unit bearing or a bad brake caliper making the noise. Always change both sides as a set. While you have your Jeep on the jack stands spinning the tires, check out your front axle knuckle u-joints. They make everything from grinding to popping noises when they get worn out.