I thought I might inquire of those of you who are so well versed in
troubleshooting over the internet.

Mine is an 81 transporter, 200K +

When moving at very slow speeds, like in a parking lot, or looking for
that perfect camp site, I sometimes hear a noise that appears to come from
the left rear wheel. The sound is just as if there is a marble inside the
hub cap. Clink, clink, and the rate increases and decreases with the
speed. It is so pronounced that as I slow down, the clink slows in rythmn,
and as I come to a stop, I get the one.... last...... clink. Just like if
it was a marble :)

If its there as driving speeds, I cannot hear it. I assume it is, but the
road noises make it impossible to tell. It is not always there, usually
after a long drive. I took the wheel off and checked the bearings for
slop, and looked for anything obvious and found nothing unusual. I have
not put the whole beast on jackstands and turned the wheels freely. Maybe
over the weekend.

I am just wondering if anyone more familiar than I am with the transaxle
might want to venture a guess, or give me something I could test.

Much obliged for any advice.

Regards from Utah,

John