Thanks for the replies. I called Steve at CVJ. He pointed out that a driveshaft noise would be about three times higher in frequency than an axle noise, since the drive shaft rotates three times for every axle rotation (approx). Since the noise is the same as it was when we first had the noise a year ago, I think it's the new left axle and Steve reluctantly concurs. He says we can drive it and ignore the noise.
We may stop in Elko, have a shop inspect the underneath. I checked the rear flex disk, it looks solid. Didn't know about the front, will check it before we leave.
Once in Salt Lake, we have family with a garage, tools, etc. I can get still another axle from CVJ and do the job there.
More as it happens. I'll tell you about the forest fire later.
Jeremy
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"Buster" in the '95
Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles
Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles
My car
Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022)
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 627,762
"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
-- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970