This all makes sense, especially since I put on the GW lift springs recently. 
Except….

Why would it stop make the sound when I take my foot off the accelerator?

> On Oct 19, 2021, at 3:32 PM, Edward Maglott <emaglott3@gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> 
> I was vexed by this symptom for a long time. Happened under the same conditions you describe. But was not consistent. I could not reproduce it by driving in a particular way. I believe it was the axel moving in and out along its length axis. I could reproduce the heavy knocking sound by moving the shaft by hand under the van. I believe the sound is the end of the axle hitting the inside of the outer cv joint. Which is why it sounds like a wheel bearing is the cause. It's a scary sound. Once I discovered this I just stopped worrying about it and never found a cure.
> Edward 
> 
>> On Tue, Oct 19, 2021, 4:21 PM Vanagon Man <t3vanagon@gmail.com> wrote:
>> Howdy all-
>> Hoping to get some input for things to look at in the search for a diagnosis….
>> 
>> Over the course of a couple weeks, we noticed a knocking sound coming from the rear of our ‘88 Westy (2.1 WB)
>> 
>> At the time, it occurred typically when turning, so the initial assumption (mechanic concurred) was the bearings needed to be replaced. 
>> While they did, it turns out that wasn’t the source of the sound (lucky there).
>> 
>> It’s a variable knocking sound that happens under load when the accelerator is engaged. 
>> ATF is full, as is gear oil.
>> 
>> Any suggestions are welcome!
>> 
>> Cheers!
>> 
>> Matt
>> Missoula, MT
>> ‘88 Westy, “Ragnar LoafBrick”