ok so i think i need to replace my carrier bearing but i just want to make sure i am fixing something that needs to be fixed. Heres the question. Driving down the road i feel like im on a wooden roller coaster im shaking all over the place. Got under the truck was looking at the driveshaft and can move the driveshaft in all directions fairly easy moves about an 1/8 to 1/4 inch ^ and v and < to > all around at the carrier bearing location. So what do yall think replacement is needed also plan on replacing Ujoints while driveshaft is down. Also do I need to take it to the shop the have the carrier bearing pressed on or can i do it at the house? Is there anything that else yall can think of that I should do while I have it out? Is there anything else that might be wrong that would cause it to shutter?

find a once piece drive shaft from an 98 plus 4wd ranger it will save you the pain in the ass of replacing that beraing

You could get rid of the bearing that way but then you have to go looking for parts and such. It can actually turn out to be more of a pain looking for the proper shaft in good condition. If you just want to replace the bearing then you can. I'd rather have the 2 piece shaft if I was stock or just a street truck.

OP. How many miles on everything? Have you checked your tire balance?

welll unsure about exact millage as the odometer dosnt work but I would say 175000 roughly as for tire there all new about 2 months old if that but it just started doing it real bad in the past 2 days. Also I wouldnt mind swapping out the driveshaft but wont I have to take out the carrier bearing cross member aswell cause if so thats gonna suck grinding off those rivits that hold it in.

Well find a used shaft and replace the U joints and bolt it up. But check your tire balance before you start throwing money away on parts you don't need.

also about how much would a 1 piece cost new or used and what all would i need to change

but the shaaft shouldnt move around like that should it

No it shouldn't move around too much. But again it could have nothing to do with the vibration. At your mileage I'm sure you need the bearing and U joints though.

with the new u joints do they make a nipple covers to keep mud out of the grease fitting

I don't think they come with any. You will probably have to find caps on your own.

ok so did the carrier bearing not as bad as i thought didnt have to be pressed just take a 2 ince pipe put around the splines and on top of the metal part of the bearing and tap it on easy as pie as some would say. BUT vibration still there!!!!!!!!! only in 4th and 5th though i think its just my driving if i shift down to 3rd it goes away so im thinking low rpms AND yes I know how to drive a stick!!!23rpms in 4th should be plenty but i dont know.

UJOINTS I shall never do AGAIN they are the worst pain in the azz!!!!!!! Easy but a pain.

The center support bearing I removed from my 87 had fatigue marks on the rubber portion of the bearing, the bearing itself appeared to be fine. I also had vibration upon acceleration, U joints were not bad but I am replacing em since the drive-shaft is already off. I found a couple of gouges on the shaft, under the inner race of the support bearing, anyone know what kind of metal filler [if any] will work on that two piece drive-line?
AL

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87 Ford Ranger
Long-bed
2-wheel drive
2.9 V/6
fuel injected
auto trans.
no a/c
extra-cab