I went to Cecil County Dragway today, they had a test and tune. I hadn't run the quarter yet since I changed my rear. On my ninth pass I had a terrible vibration at about the finish line. I put it in neutral braked and pulled to the side. If I went slow I could still move, but lots of vibration.
Made the turn to the return road and the rear of the driveshaft dropped down. The u shaped bolt on one side came loose, but the nuts were still on. The bearing cup was still fastened on the other side.
Wouldn't you know it, I didn't trailer the truck this time. About 50 miles one way.
The guy coming up the track on a 4 wheeler, found my bearing cup. But the needle bearings were gone. They towed me up to the staging lanes, and I went to work. I thought I could cut some copper wire to use as a substitute, but my 12 gauge wire was too heavy. I thought maybe I could wrap the u joint with electrical tape and put the bearing cup on.
I found a 1/2" copper crimp ring that we use on pex tubing that was cut and of no use. I slipped it over the u joint, put the bearing cap on - perfect fit. Or at least good enough to get me 50 miles home. Kept it about 45 mph, got home safely.
The good thing was I got into the seventeens on my 1st pass. 17.993 but that still counts. Couldn't back it up with another run in the seventeens though. Glad I got this test in before I leave for Byron Illinois thursday.
Dennis in Lititz PA