Sometimes I surprise myself with the lack of thought that goes behind some of my decision making processes. Hell, I don't even think I have a process yet. Hopefully it is developing as I type this out, 'cause I could sure use it right about now.
Well, as I was sitting around, I came to the following conclusion. You guys let me know if it makes sense. I'm pretty sure it does, but some of you know way more than me about this stuff.
I got the bolt-in LCA relocation brackets some time in '00. Well, I installed them, and all was well. Later I took them off, for some reason or another, but when I tried to put them back on, I couldn't get them to fit. I then decided to cut them, and maybe have them welded later (What a stupid decision). With only the one bolt holding them in place, and the LCAs bolted on, there was a lot of movement while driving. Well looking at the transmission, I can see where the rear pushed the driveshaft towards the tranny, and dug a nice little pattern into it. I never thought much about this until today. It would appear that, until I sold the relocation brackets and bolted the LCAs back into the stock position, there was an extreme amount of play in the driveshaft, causing it to bang into both the tranny and the rear. This could definitely have caused a massive pinion bearing failure, and several other possible things.
I am such a complete idiot. If it wasn't for this HUUUUUGE mistake, I might not even need a new rear. Hell, it withstood some pretty aggressive behavior over the last 4 years, and should be commended for taking all the abuse from the lack of proper installation of the LCAs..
I'd rather just pay the shipping, and be more comfortable knowing that it is solid.
