Well, I knew it was only a matter of time before my stock carrier bearing when boom, and it did!!! I guess a heavy wagon with tons of horsepower, a 4 speed manual, a poorly designed driveshaft and a driver that likes to stand on it don't really mix.
Since I have no intentions on changing my driving habits, I guess its time to beef up that stock driveshaft. I ordered a heavy duty billet aluminum carrier bearing and am getting a driveline shop in town to put a slip yoke in the rear driveshaft to allow for more movement. Top it all all off with new HD U-joints and I should be back on the streets in no time.
That's how mine started. Whenever I'd let the clutch out I would hear a slight rattling sound. I actually thought is was my jack rattling around in the spare tire well. It progressively got worse and then the other day it went. Luckily for me the driveshaft didn't separate and I was able to limp it home. I'm hoping to have it back together the first week in August when I start vacation.
Nothing like adding HP then finding the next weak link. The classic tale of hot rodding. If we all had infinite $$$ we could do the engine, tranny, drive shaft, rear end, axles, brakes, suspension, cooling system, fuel system, electrical all up front. But if that was the only approach, there'd be a whole lot fewer cars out there and we'd still end up finding the next weak link..
Glad mine doesn't have a steady bearing. One less thing to deal with. Sounds like you're doing it right though. Do it once. Do it right. And move on.
