I think it is just the axle starting on it's way out, but thought I would check first

the only symptom is a clicking when under load, Only going straight, does not do it when turning, I can get it to reproduce by power braking shifting to drive and tapping the gas, 1-2 clicks,
then I shift to reverse and tap the gas again click

when I was under the van with a stethoscope and wife was shifting, I isolated it to here,(where screw driver is, I had used a stethoscope for listing)



the boot is not turn and there is no evidence of leaks
and if I listen on the diff cover with the bolts in it (right next to the screw driver) I can not hear the clicking
the axle is also tight, no movement

I checked the motor mounts and could not see any cracks, from the top the engine doesn't move too much from the bottom it appears to move a bit more, but I have never been under the car before when revving it either

is it pretty safe that the problem is just the axle? I have read about a diff bearing, hope thats not it

and if it is the axle is it a good idea to replace the other side too?

thanks