So for the past week I have had a squealing/clicking sound on light acceleration and coasting, especially at speeds ~20-40 miles per hour. Narrowed it down to either a bad u-joint or pinion bearing in the rear differential. I was considering removing the rear driveshaft, putting the car in 4wd, and driving around to see if the clicking has stopped? Would this help isolate the problem, and point me towards repairing the u-joint myself or taking it to a shop for the pinion bearing? Is it safe to drive short distances in "front wheel drive"?

Any help is appreciated.. thanks!

 

This would help isolate the driveline as the cause/not the cause of the problem.

Yes, it is ok to drive short distances in FWD

 

Make sure to use some PB blaster on the propeller shaft bolts, and pinion driveshaft bolts too, it took soaking them for 3 days and then still some serious muscle and a cheaterbar and hammer. Now I just need to change the rotten u-joint. re-torque to 54 ft. lbs.

 

hell i drove from Portland to Tacoma WA in FWD at 70mph... with a square drive shaft and a pissed pinion angle.... no problems