The Noise has been fixed! Turns out it was a thing called a carrier bearing, which hooks up to the front u-joint. Erin at Driggs Tire said it just fell apart as he removed it, with bearings flying everywhere.
I asked him whether it could have failed at any time (I’m thinking back to the middle of the Nevada desert last week) and he said “Oh yea!”
For those of you who think I just need a new truck (Sally?), I don’t. This little sweety is now in great shape and only has 89K miles on her. Considering she’s an ’88 that’s about 1000 miles per year. She could use new shocks but that’s something I can do with Riley when I see him in Seattle next week. Keep on rocking…
Bearings are very important in keeping your transportation moving smoothly.
And she is now moving smoothly…
That was Devine Intervention that got you out of the desert and safely home and to the shop before completely crumbling! Hope you carry a cell phone with you on your travels.
Just realized I called it “Devine” as in ANdy Devine. It could have been him or it was Divine…
I feel pretty confident this girl is ready to ride the Western States, including a drop into your San Francisco neighborhood, Skoge… And no, I carry no cellphone! I’ve been a very wired guy in my past, and now I’m not, other then borrowing Internet from the local yocals :-)
Well, then, may Andy Devine be with you!