So you thought my rattling/ticking noise was an exhaust leak?

Ok I’m out here right now checking this thing out. Have both wheels and drums off. When in park, if I spin the axles by hand, sounds like very dry bearings are making a lot of noise. In nuetral when I rock the drive shaft back and forth there is maybe 1/4-1/2 of play. Seems fine to be there. Both axles sound the same when rotating by hand...