[Mulletwagon]

Yep, must pull rear axle to get to the U Joint. Whinning second gear is pretty normal, but a thumping indicates something serious - like a missing gear tooth or object stuck between gear teeth. Once the rear axle is pulled, it is not that much more work to drop the trans and go through it. Rebuilding the trans is not difficult and all the necessary parts are readily available. Would recommend changing all the bearings and countershafts (get countershafts with O rings). If the U joint is worn spend some time finding a quality replacement - inspect before buying if possible. Let us know how it goes.