So lately my car has been shaking, and getting worse, but **only** when there is some descent load on the engine IE: accelerating

If I am coasting, or decelerating, the car is fine, but only under acceleration will the car shake. The more load = the more shake

I have pretty much narrowed it to either an axle or my automatic transmission but i want to know if there is any DIY way to really check (i have access to a lift//garage//tools)

this is on a 2002 civic with a 2003 auto transmission (it had been replaced about a year ago)

 

Lift the car and check for movement of the axle. If you can wiggle it then it needs replacing.

 

Definitely, the axle should have only one motion. Rotation. I heard some rattling and suffered from jerky shifts from my motor mounts being blown out. All civic owners should check those... Really inexpensive fix and it does wonders for manuals and automatics. Also, if you have bad motor mounts it can turn into a growing problem one goes bad... and another one... and another... then your exhaust starts leaking because the motor is moving too much.

 

I am having the same problem with my 03. Did you resolve your problem? I have pretty much narrowed it down to either axles or mounts. Will be looking at it this weekend.