JohnnyD583@AOL.COM writes:

<< My 86 has a howl or growl or gear noise of something coming
from the rear  somewhere.  It is only happening when I am
accelerating in gear.  The tone  changes from loud to soft
depending on how much pedal is used.  No difference  matters in
what gear. >>

From that description my first reaction is to say ring and pinion
noise.

<<....was told by the shop that the rear end had some wear but
that it could go for years or next week. >>

Very true.  You simply cannot judge how long a failed or worn
out part will last.

-Todd Hill
 VolksWerks Transaxles
 Olympia, WA
 360-412-0948