That makes sense to me perfectly. I feel a slap on the drivers side every so often which seems likely could be the axle. I'll know for sure, soon enough, when I can a find a few minutes at night to run over and use the hoist.

If I do swap tranny's, is the 6-speed more reliable, as far as carrier bearing wear? Also, what most causes premature wear in a manual transaxle? I notice wheel/ axle hop is a problem in this car, is there something structurally I can do to help eliminate that? I plan on driving this car for six or seven years, and I'm restoring it on frame starting with chassis painting and finishing when I feel like it.

I will probably post this question in its own thread when I plan to swap. Just wondered what you thought?