So as some of you know I was scratching my head about the mysterious howl coming form the rear axle.

Well I took it to a guy who services transmissions today and the verdict is (insert drumroll)...

Carrier bearing. Caught it just in time too. He said he took off the inspection plate and everything looked brand new, except for the carrier bearing which had barely any race left to it!

Gear look great, pinion bearing looks great, and nothing leaks.

So to the guy in the other thread that guessed "carrier bearing" kudos to you and your gut instinct! Me, I am relieved that I am not having to swap a new rear end in and pray it holds up, and that mine will have a clean bill of health with a new carrier bearing.