For the first time since September 30, 2011 (the day I bought it), my 85 Xtra Cab finally has a beating heart.˟ However, upon inspection after the first 5 mile break-in and test drive run, my center bearing (or whatever you choose to call it) on the rear driveshaft was completely shot.˟ The previous owner told me it had been replaced shortly before I purchased it.˟ Last night when I removed it, I diligently marked all the connection points (flanges, etc) as they sat, but I can see no rhyme or reason to how they were "aligned." The U-joints on the diff and transfercase didn't even line up. This, coupled with the fact I saw no existing alignment marks from the last replacement, along with the seemingly short life of the bearing definitely make me less than confident that there was any sort of balance when I took it off.˟ All that being said, is there any way to get a driveshaft even close to properly aligned in my driveway?˟ I know my best bet would be to get it to a driveshaft balancer ASAP, but here in the sprawling metropolis of Alamogordo, New Mexico, I'm not sure that's as easily done as it is said.˟ I've been paying insurance on this truck for nine months while it was little more than a lawn ornament.˟ I'd really like to put some miles on it this weekend.˟ Thanks in advance!

 

there is not really a way unless u take it in even tho the guy said it was replaced can u verified it was? i can say hey it was replaced but doesnt mean it was. oh and its called your carrier bearing.

 

I can verify it definitely wasn't a Toyota part, just by looking at the quality. Nasty welds, soft rubber... Also, it was far shinier than any part from 1985 could hope to be. Especially after ~303,000 miles. In addition, the lock washers for the drive shaft bolts were on the wrong side (bolt side as opposed to the nut side) so whether it was him that replaced it, or an owner prior to him, somebody was in there, and they weren't the sharpest knife in the drawer.

I've always called them center bearings, Toyota EPC calls them center support bearings, parts stores call them driveshaft support bearings. I figured I'd cover all the bases and type them all.

 

i say put a quality one on and put it together and drive it.. see how it feels and go from there.

 

That's looking like the route I'm gonna go, unless I wake up and find a profound alternative solution in this thread. Just line up the flanges and go for it.

 

all I've ever done with my rear drive shaft is just bolt it in and drive it...seems fine so far.

 

It's too bad your so far away. I have a 2 piece driveshaft for sale up in Edmonton. Did you ever get your problem resolved?

 

Well, I got the center bearing installed last week and took extra care to get it lined up just right. It felt great when I drove it, but, unfortunately, a fitting on my intake manifold for my cooling system popped off, so since my engine had decided to drain half the coolant for me, I installed an aftermarket water temp gauge, since the one in my cluster had failed. Finally got all the parts for the install on the gauge today, so hopefully this weekend I can put the gauge, my fitting fix, AND the center bearing through the paces.

 

You can replace the 2 piece rear drive shaft with a 1 piece driveshaft from a 88 or 89 Toyota.