2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Carrier Bearing Out Again

[BigPapa]

What truck do you have?
How many miles?
How do you use it?
What transmission?
2X4 or 4X4?

 

[lfwood]

What truck do you have?
How many miles?
How do you use it?
What transmission?
2X4 or 4X4?

It is a 98.5 Quad Cab, long box, 4X4, NV4500, 3.73 differential. All u-joints, including front transfer case shaft, were replaced in the last two years, as well as carrier bearing. Truck is used mainly highway and county and forest service roads, 5% towing under 7000lbs. Truck is used to carry supplies in my HVAC business. Truck has over 253K miles. transmission has had the 5th gear main shaft replaced. Still on the original clutch. No fluid leaks. Amsoil products end to end, changed on schedule, since 8k miles.
DodgeBox steering gear and Borgenson shaft. SolidSteel track bar. Front suspension rebuilt, entirely, in 2009. Bilstein shocks. Standard suspension (no lifts).

 

[GReed]

I don't know anything about them, but check out the carrier bearings at www.iedls.com. Maybe someone has used one and can give a review.

 

[GAmes]

I too believe it is a drive shaft balance problem. Averaging less than 15k miles a year your u-joints and carrier bearing should last 10 years easy. More than likely the Spicer part numbers I listed on page 1 fit a 4X4 too.

 

[comotionman]

I replaced the carrier bearing on my '01 3500 about 20k miles ago... ... felt some slight vibration when starting from a stop, checked the driveline and sure enough... ... carrier bearing is shot.



Shouldn't this have lasted more than 20k? When I replace it this time, I was thinking that it would be wise to have the drive shafts balanced... ... Any thoughts? I thought I would go ahead and replace the U joints as well. My thinking is that if the drive shaft(s) are out of balance, that would explain the short life span of the bearing. View attachment 86866View attachment 86867View attachment 86868View attachment 86869

The pic of the front section of the driveshaft at whats labeled as the tailshaft housing shows that the shaft is indeed shoved forward. Look how close the slip yoke is to whats likely actually the tcase output housing. It has shredded the dust boot that's built into the output seal.