On Tue, 16 Oct 2007 06:51:48 -0400, "Roger Long"
wrote:

I did the alignment myself and there isn't that much that can go wrong with
a single bearing set up as long as the engine is square to the shaft. If it
isn't, you'll really feel it; especially with soft mounts.

Square to the shaft? Never had any issues that way. Our family
runabout has an automotive type tubular driveshaft, and has operated
for fifty years with the same U-joints. No packing, either. A shaft
enters the jet pump housing, and that seems to be that. Ever seen a
car with a packing nut where the driveshaft enters the differential?
Maybe the very close metal to metal fit is only possible since there
are u-joints. It does have two oil cups that you fill daily, that lube
that bearing. Lift the rear seat, and there everything is. There is a
doghouse covering the Buick V-6 that lifts right off. Almost as easy
to get at stuff as with a motorcycle.

Casady