96 4wd XE PU needs work

[zeke]

Am about to replace the drive line (propeller shaft) support. Rubber all gone. Anyone done this and have any tips before I dive in?

[Desert Rat]

Commonly referred to as the carrier bearing. Pretty straight forward repair.

something to consider would be eliminating it and having a driveshaft shop build you a single piece driveshaft. It's possible a 2001-2004 OEM king cab or short crew DS would bolt in as well.

[Dattebayo]

I have seen alot of people put the thing in backwards, so take note of the direction of the metal support that it fits in.

I would only do the single piece shaft if you have lots of money or time, matching up parts from other vehicles can be a btich and even junkyards can charge lots for a shaft.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Moved to the hardbody section.

[centralcoaster33]

When you are removing the shaft, please remember to make match marks so that when you bolt it back together, the same bolts line up with the same holes. I find white out works well for this. The shafts are balanced together (this is my understanding) and if you put them back together with one rotated 180 degrees from where it was mated with the other, you'll have vibration problems. It wouldn't hurt to match mark at the diff as well if you're taking that end of also. I'm currently doing this on my 240sx, except I am replacing the entire drive shaft. Also, pay attention when taking off the carrier bearing, I don't recall if there is a front or back to it, but if so, you'll want to keep track of that. Good luck and let us know how it goes!