Help! 72 2wd Universal Joint Problem

[brown7373]

I am 800 miles from home for Christmas vacation and have a bad universal. 1972 1/2 ton 2 wheel drive 350 with THM350.

What do you call the part where the 2 halves of the drive shaft is supported and passes through? I may try to get one next week before I start back, but don't know what to order.

[Mike C]

Carrier bearing. There are a couple of different ones so have to make sure you get the correct one.

[brown7373]

Thanks Mike. How difficult is it to change? I'm guessing the universals on each end of the 2 shaft ends have to come off. The shop that looked at it (on the road, 600 miles from home) couldn't get the parts for a while because of Christmas and New Year's Day. They felt that I could probably drive it for a while and make it back to Florida before it completely failed. I was thinking maybe I'd buy the part so if it failed on the road, I would have it in hand to repair it. I'll see on Saturday if a NAPA can order it in before we leave January 1.

[Mike C]

It shouldn't be that hard, but because you never know what else might not want to come apart or that is damaged, you just never know. And if it is the HD bearing like my short bed has, it's more difficult to find.

[Andy4639]

Well I'm going to say this in hopes that you do not try and make it home. If there is a problem with it I'd have it fixed before hitting the road.
A drive shaft coming apart at speed will not end good for you are the truck.
I would have it fixed before I left out purely for the safety of myself and anyone else in the truck.
I would find a drive shaft shop to fix it also which on the side of the road isn't going to be the place to be crawling under your truck.

[notsolo]

What Andy Said x2 ...Carrier bearing can be a PITA to get off. You can damage the splines and double your misery. Stay an extra day get it fixed...Merry Xmas.

[brown7373]

I plan to see if any shops are open tomorrow and can get the part before January 1. I was planning to try a local NAPA unless ashop might have the part.

[Already Gone]

As has been said, you don't want to be stuck on the side of the road. If I was you I'd do what I had to have it fixed properly before embarking on an 800 mile drive home. Although you do not mention where you are for Christmas there is good chance if you reach out for some help, assistance or guidance from this site there will a member or two near to you that I'm sure would be willing to help you in any way they can.

[HUSTLESTUFF]

Do yourself a favor. Look at your bearing and then look on rock auto under driveshaft center support. Most are under $10 ( $6 leafs $5 coils) and you could probably overnight (about $20 2 business days or $31 next business day). Napa online shows one for leafs($16) PN: PGB PHB88107A and one for coils($24) PN: PGB PHB206FF didn't register for shipping quotes for napa. Not too bad of a job once u-joints are out. Might order u-joints in case you mess one up removing. Have a safe trip. Mike

[brown7373]

Thanks guys. I contacted a repair shop last night and got a message on Mesenger that they can fix it no problem. I'm going to check out the ship today to determine if they look okay. I'd do it myself if I was at home, but with no floor jack, no jack stands and not all my tools, I think I'll stay on vacation and pay simeone else to do it. Their web site says they repair, restore and modify cars and trucks.

I am in Saluda NC ans have to return to Fort Pierce, FL.

[Andy4639]

Your about 1 1/2 hrs from me. If you need anything LMK. There are several shops around me that could fix you up.
Most of them are closed until Monday though.

Carolina drive line in Spartenbugh is about 30 minute ride they could fix you right up and should have the part in stock. They did my 1 peice shaft.
Here is the link.

http://www.carolinadriveline.com/

[brown7373]

I found a shop in Saluda who is familiar with the various carrier bearings and is going to replace it and the transmission mount on Minday, or Tuesday if we need to overnight anything. Thanks

[lowbucktrucks]

x2 on carolina drve line in spartanburg

[cherokeejohn]

I just replaced mine this past summer, I had my local machine shop install it. I have a 2 piece shaft with the same drive line as you have. I will say that while your working on that area (driveshaft) of your truck, it would be smart to replace your U joints also. they are cheap enough and Trust me, after you've replaced the carrier bearing and re-installed it, if your U joints are or are going bad it will only irritate you worse if you have to pull the shaft again. I learned this the hard way! The $25 I saved at first proved to be not worth the headache and frustration. Checking the trans mount is also a good idea. I had just replaced mine along with the trans shortly before my carrier bearing went out

[brown7373]

My transmission mount is shot also, which might have contributed to the carrier bearing going out. I will also have them replace the oher u-joinys when the shaft is out. They are only 44 years old, but what the heck!

[brown7373]

Truck was taken in at 9:00 Monday. They called NAPA who had all the parts in stock. Shop called at 4:30 to say it was done and ready to pick up. I'll get it tomorrow morning.

[70's luvr]

[brown7373]

I rented a 2015 Dodge Ram PU with a Hemi while mine was laid up (only a day). Nice truck, but I am excited to get my 72 back. We drove the Ram all over yesterday, and can you beleive it? Not ONE person said "nice truck" like they do with my 72! Go figure.