oldblu49, my okie seems fine, about .010 play and the diff isn't overflowing. my bell housing is really scared inside, figured either an earlier joint let go or it was just forged that way. i can try to get some of the scoring out, but i wasn't sure if that made any difference as long as i get the replacement joint put in. wish i could use a needle bearing joing from the late 50's but my yokes aren't correct for this and i don't know if later yokes would work so i'm stuck with this bronze bushing setup i guess.
thanks for yours and everyones help. i'll check back in when i get the joint put in to let you know if that fixed my vibration problems.
tony

Overland Blue, 1953 GMC 1/2T, 100-22, 228/1bbl, 4sp/4.10 6v, shortbed/fender side/5-window.