I didn't read all replies but here is how you can be sure of a dead axle
and/or CV joint:

Jack the back of the van, wheel free (no hand brake), ok, now, hold the
inner CV joint:
http://www.benplace.com/images_westfalia/inside_drive_shaft.jpg

Turn the wheel VERY Slowly back and foward, look for some loose/play between
the wheel and the inner axle, what i'm trying to say is hold that inner CV
tight, try to move the wheel, if one of the CV is shot, the wheel will move
a bit but not the inner CV, any play is no good.... if you have some play,
now is the time to find if it's the inner one or the outer one, for that, do
the same but now, hold the shaft instead, if the wheel doesn't move, it's
the inner one, if yes, it's the outer CV... do your thing for each side....

OR, do that:
http://www.benplace.com/cv_joint_maintenance.htm

And have fun

Regards, Ben
http://www.benplace.com/vw2.htm