So I have been reading some more, specifically:
http://board.marlincrawler.com/index.php?topic=41209.0I need to take a closer look at my rear diff because I found a lot of metal shavings when I changed the fluid in it also.
But more importantly, I just realized that the previous owner had the driveshaft with the slip end at the rear, so if I turn it around I may find that my problem is solved!?