I'm preparing to change the driveshaft center support bearing on my '88 Trooper.

I understand that I will need to use a puller to remove the flange from the end of the driveshaft. I am assuming that the bearing is a slip fit over the shaft? In other words;

Remove the nut, pull the flange, slip the old bearing off, slip the new new one on, drive the flange back on, replace nut.

Is it that easy ?

yeah you'll need a big socket though, I think 27mm for that nut. I would buy every size 24-30 and return the ones that don't fit. Also, I just stuck the flange in a vise and hit it with a hammer vs. using a puller.

You planning on lifting your truck at all? if so, I would reconsider the expense and hassle of replacing that bearing when a retubed one piece driveshaft would be a better investment in the long term

also, if your rear DS uses spicer parts like mine, and has a strap-secured yoke with the 10 mm head bolts on each strap:

undo bolts securing carrier bearing
undo bolts at the yoke straps
use a hammer and screwdriver to hit the front half of shaft unseating the u-joint in the middle.
now pull the front-driveshaft-half out of the t-case by the slip yoke
leave rear half connected
do your bench repair then replace assembly

this method prevents you from having to break down the flange at the differential which in my opinion is next to impossible without destroying the hardware. Isuzu made the clearance between the pinion flange body and the hardware so close you can't put a socket over the nuts & bolts, but is too far away to try and spin one side and hope it will hold on the other. what you end up doing is just cursing and rounding the hardware.

With any luck, my 1 and 1/16 sae socket will fit.
I have pullers, so no need to resort to the Armstrong Method of removal!



Not in the plans. Keeping it stock for now.



They may be Spicer joints, not sure, but there aren't any straps in sight. The rear half has flanges at both ends. Looks like a pretty easy removal to me.

But I think you did answer my question about the slip fit of the center bearing ... thanks!

Is the old tried and true "plastic bag and rubber band" method of keeping the trans oil inside the trans after pulling the slip yoke adequate? Or should I look for some kinda fancy special plug ?

it won't drip more than a bit, I didn't even need anything when I did mine

To keep the tranny oil in the only foolproof method is the extra large to-go coffee cup placed firmly over the end.When your finished allthe fluid you lost is in the cup ready to pour back in.

Good tip, thanks... I imagine that if I have the back way up in the air, it will help too.

I would second that one piece driveline its the way to go and it will only cost a bit more and it will last longer <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

How much longer than 90K is needed ? Remember, this is a daily driver... the only off-road it's likely to see is when I fall asleep at the wheel again.

I need a 3 piece shaft for this one:



sorry, I was bored...

Good Weekend y'all, HURRAY BEER!

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/mrt.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Interesting....i should take that concept to Big Dawg Limosine in town and see what they could do for me.....a 6x6....
-J <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />