Here's the latest: The rear end was not the source of the noise. I did find that the front universal joint was shot, replaced all three as well as the center support bearing. The center support bearing was probably OK (two years old). Number one u-joint was definitely toast, so bad that one of the caps was turning freely under the retaining c-clip. Strange, I know. There definitely had been some hammerin' done, both on number one and on number three, which were both bunged up pretty good. The problem is this, I couldn't get number three in without some serious binding in the flexing of the joint. I'm worried that the piece which attaches to the rear end flange may be bent. (My latest theory: The binding in the joint or the bent attaching piece--the cause of binding--may be the long-standing source of the noise.) Any ideas? I'm thinking it may be time to hunt up a boneyard propeller shaft. If I do go for the boneyard propeller shaft, which models would work? If I find one, looks like I'll be starting over with new u-joints again--getting the old ones out, at least, does not a pretty picture make. Is it common for the shaft to get all beaten up with u-joint work?
Thanks in advance for all your help!