Hey guys,
Went on the trip and made it back fine, nothing blew up. Noise still there of course.
Got it into the dealer today and got the verdict - I need some new bearings (carrier I think). I also had a shuddering problem around corners - need a new clutch pack for the LSD. And while they're in there, the rear pads need changing and the rotors resurfaced. About $2000 total. There goes my stimulus check and then some (except I spent it already)!
Stinks to fork over the money, I knew I probably could have gotten cheaper from someplace other than the dealer, but I just don't know of any good shops around. At least I'd been able to get a lot of good advice and free diagnostics out of these guys, makes it a little easier to "digest."
Thought ya'll would like to know...