if you had the time i would try this just remove the cv shafts on each side and leave the front center section (rearend) and take it for a lil drive the front center section dont care if its actually connect to the wheels or not can un do one side at time if you want will let you know if its THAT cv shaft or wheel bearing normally a cv shaft will make poping sound if you turn the wheel all the way and put a slight load on it (like backing into a parking spot) hope this helps
ralph