Well I Pushed, Pulled, Pryed and Proded last night and only found a bit of play ( just enough to notice movement ) at the carrier bushing. I put it all back together so I can drive it some more in the hope that additional wear would make it easier to find. Of course now it is silent. I'm sure it will be back.

I'm taking the car of the road for the winter in a few months anyway, at that time I'll disassemble the rear suspension, carefully look at all the joints, and replace anything questionable. I'm not confident in my Push, Pull, Pry and Prod diagnostics.

Thanks all.

Jorg