I started with the same issue and the noise got worse . Then a clanking noise also started from the nearer the front plus the banging noise from the back . Then the car started clanging and juddering and almost stopping as though the gear box was about to drop out ( all within 24 hours ) . It was not drive-able .Mobile mechanic replaced the three rear Diff mounts . This stopped the rear banging however the newer noise more front end ,clanging and juddering he could not diagnose so he removed the prop to see if this helped . This fixed nothing and the whole exercise cost me £390 . I took more advice from specialists and a chap who had worked Freelander MK1 and it appears that I have an IRD failure brought about by the VCU failing ,apparently the pegs come lose and drop into the gears . The cost of these two replacement parts is about £1000 plus about the same on labour and the vehicle will need recovery from my drive. This year the car has had a new fuel pump ,four new tyres ,new windscreen ,some cooling hoses replaced all about £800 pounds worth . I love the car with it's auto and V6 and it was great in recent floods but enough is enough. Anybody out there want to buy a pretty low mileage car for spares or repair? It was in daily use until this disaster.
Joe