My front drivers side started growling a couple of weeks ago. I assumed it was the wheel hub bearing so I replaced it. The growl is the same! Not sure what else it might be?

 

In addition, I did notice that the drive shaft/universal joint was loose where it meets the back of the wheel hub, is this normal? My next step will be checking U-joints I guess. I sure hope it is not the transfer case!

 

Movement of the hub shaft where it goes through the knuckle is normal. Movement of the ujoint within itself is not. The only way to really feel a ujoint is to remove it and articulate it, (not the joint itself but the shaft assembly). Unless its obviously visually shot. They can be shot and visually inspect ok.
Thats why generally if Im replacing the hub bearing the ujoint gets replaced too, your right there why not. At the mileage a bearing goes is about the life expectancy of the ujoint too. Use Spicer joints and grease.
I suspect your grumble is possibly a ujoint or a bad new bearing assembly. But... Are the front hubs locked-in or free? If Free then the front shafts arent spinning while your driving. That would eliminate the ujoints(for now) So determine if the shafts are static or spinning.

Once you've answered that question I can go further.

Dont forget a tire can do funny things too, Not a bad idea to put that tire on the back and see if the sound follows the tire.

 

If you are not in 4 wheel drive and the hub is unlocked the front axle is not turning. Along with the front differential and drive shaft.

How about brakes?

or ABS sensor?

Things to check.

Does the growl very with engine speed or road speed.
Check to make sure the hub is unlocked. Can you turn the front axle by hand? No then the hub is locked. Try both sides.

There is a needle bearing in the HUB. When you disassembled the Hub to change out the bearing did you check the bearing where the spine for the front axle engages the hub.

If manual tyranny go to speed. Press the clutch and idle the engine. Did the growl go away?

 

If the sound varies by engine speed the power steering pump is on the drivers side. They will growl for many reasons. Low fluid or air in the system is one.