Noise in rear diff - Opinions?

[koda2000]

'01 ST 4:10 LSD - Ok, so I thought I'd identified/fixed the noise coming from the rear of the truck by cutting out a small piece from the rear inner fender (there were fresh signs of tire contact on the passenger side) but the noise is still there. It's quite loud while driving with the rear window down. It sounds just like a tire rubbing, (rub, rub, rub sound) but now I believe it's bearing related. I can't tell if the noise is coming from the center, right or left. The noise almost goes away under light throttle, but is heard under heavier throttle or while decelerating. I have to pull the rear axles to change the axle seals, so I can check the axle bearings easily, but IDK if the noise is more pinion bearing related. While the rear brake shoes are worn and oil fouled, I don't feel the noise is brake related.

Any opinions as to where/what to look for

So far the consensus is carrier bearing.