Random1

Thanks for the detailed info. I guess if one were to pre order parts before tearing into this work, getting all the bearing/seals/etc would be a good idea. And why not just replace them all if going in to do the work.

My noise tends to come under no load like after a down shift to second when entering a parking lot and coasting after that down shift. As soon as I apoly throttle and load the drive train it goes away. I'll have to see if it makes the sound with the clutch pushed in. Otherwise I fear it could be from within the main part of the transmission.

Does anyone think this work could be done without removing the transmission, maybe just lowering the back end of the transmission down?

PJK3

oooo.....

mine was whining regardless of load, gear, or clutch position.

if yours is making noise only when unloaded, you may be somewhere else or at a different bearing or even hearing gear misalignment. however, it was always less obvious when loaded, simply because the car makes more noise when loaded (intake, exhaust, etc.)
i had decided that if the dealer wasn't going to do it, my plan was to put the car way up on jackstands and (VERY) carefully have someone run it in 1st or 2nd while listening underneath.
*(please follow my plan at your own risk, and realize that it has a LOT of RISK. i do not want responsibility for any harm or injury. if you have doubts, get a professional involved.)