I am happy to report that I can bring this thread to a close.
I pulled down the left rear wheel this weekend and first found the tone ring for the ABS was completely destroyed, so that would solve the ABS faults
I checked and determined the hub itself was OK, so I pulled the CV axle and just like the other side it would bind and lock up when flexing the side for the differential
I replaced it and put everything back together. I cleared the ABS codes and test drove it and the grinding and binding on take off is now gone

Nice going. I really admire your persistence.