Hi Geoff
I've been working on a 50 Chev PU, it came with a 54 235 with the 4 speed(is yours a 4 speed on the floor as well?) It came with a two piece open shaft with a slightly newer rear end (57 passenger car 3.1). I took the two piece shaft to a drive line outfit that installed a newer style steady or mid bearing, the old style bracket and bearing could not be found. Their computer program figured out the correct height of the bearing based on the angle difference between the engine and rear end. If I went to a single shaft I would have had to cut the rear end spring brackets to repostion to the required angle, so I took the easier route. So I made up a shim pack to reach this position they recommended. Only two years ago I've got it on the road and so far no major vibration issues. I did install a dual reservoir master cylinder with new lines and cylinders, and for some reason I can make it stop when I want to. Maybe not as good as a disc brake system but I don't drive fast and very cautious of other drivers.
