My 700 has had a howl or whine since I purchased it this January. I put it on jacks last week and listened to various parts of drive train with a stephoscope, and it is pretty clear that the noise is from the rear axle. I am guessing that since it has held together this long that it is not wheel bearings but worn diff gears. The axle seals also leak slowly.

I am planning on getting an axle from a yard and swaping it in. Are all of the 200 and 700 solid rear axles the same except for gear ratio? That is what I gathered from the FAQ and a few posts I found, but would like some one to confirm this before I buy an axle. Also would I be able to fit one into the trunk of my car using the port into the cabin?

thank you