If you suspect a bad axle C/V joint....Jack it up -safely- so that the drivers wheel is off the ground, set the parking brake, chock the wheels and turn of traction control if you have can.

Have someone start it up and put it in drive...Holding The Brake at first- then slowly releasing the brake pedal allowing the wheel to spin. Look at the wheel/tire first checking for any excessive wobble, then look at the axle C/V joint. Have them accelerate slowly and see if it starts shaking. If nothing looks bad then shut it off and check the rest of the front end..

If it's an auto trans it's simple, but you need two people. One guy holds the brake, with parking brake also set, and stabs the gas pedal in drive while you watch the motor to see if it jumps up. DONT STAND IN FRONT OF THE CAR!! Look at the front motor mount with a light from the side while someone works the gas. Also do it in Reverse. You will know if it's bad. It will pop up and in some cases it looks like the motor wants to jump out of the engine bay.