Is the Spacer 6"... ... ... . Wow talk about a carrier bearing problem... . that would be one.
The spacers rae 1/2" or 1" depending on the amount of lift. I also would not elliminate the carrier bearing and it's joint, there is plenty good reason the factory used one on these trucks.
What you need to do is get yourself a angle finder, sears has a nice inexpensive on for 25-30 bucks or you can go digital like mine and pay alittle more but you will have more accurate ressults. Measure the angle at the carrier bearing and then at the rear end, you lift kit should have had instructions dealing with this issue. It is very possible and many make the mistake of installing the tapper to the wrong direction, this will defffinitly cause a bearing problem. Did you install the lift, did it involve a tapered block, wedge or special spring?
Hopefully you will find something amiss and your bearing problems will be behind you. When you do purchase the replacement bearing, go with the HD version, it should help also.