Noise, Bumping, Crunching from rear of car

hi there,

my much loved freelander died on the way to work this morning.

had only gone about 5 miles when noise started from rear of car, in the time it took to find a safe place to stop the noise had increased and there were screeches and crunches, and could feel the car trying to stop if that makes any sense.

got recovered back to home. reversing off the transporter onto the drive it was 'bumpy' as well as noisy.

recovery guy said may just be Cv joint or water in the gaitors or something. had a look underneath there appears to be an oil leek from the rear diff.

If anyone has any idea's or suggestions it would be of help.

I have heard of people converting freelanders to 2wd for the summer by removing the propshaft. it is an option for me to remove the prop saft and the 2 rear drive shafts?

I am no mechanic, i am a chef! but in the past i have manged to discs and calipaers and brake pads. I own the correct haynes manual and rave cd. i can follow instructions!

any help would be gratefully recieved, i really want to avoid having to take it to a garage.

thanks in advance

james