I'm hearing some very concerning noise from the bearing supporting my two piece drive shaft on my 68 F250 4x2.
I have inspected the unit and the rubber cushion is cracking as well.
I want to know can an average joe replace it?
Can the part be found at the major part stores?
Or, will this need to be done by a machine shop?

My Chilton book has a very short section that explains how to inspect it but only says to remove it and replace it if worn and reassemble in reverse order. No details on how to actualy get it off the shaft, or how to install it on the shaft. It sure looks like it needs to be pressed on.
Can someone give me some insight here?
Thanks.

Hawkeye

 

You can purchase the support bearings at any decent auto parts store. I got mine for around $23.

Getting the old one off can a much bigger PITA than getting the new one on. Yes, it is pressed on and is a booger to get any kind of puller around due to the dust cover that is directly behind it on the shaft. If you have access to a press, you could probably save a lot of time and misery. Before removal of the old, take a measurement of its exact position on the shaft. Then when installing the new bearing, press it on to the same location.

 

Thank you for the reply.
I got an estimate from a drive line shop today of 60.00 to install the new bearing and rubber cushion.
That sounds pretty reasonable. Since I don't have access to a press, I'm thinking that I should go ahead and let them do it.

Hawkeye