Thanks soot. I guess it wasn't the silliest mistake to make, since the FSM does describe a procedure to get these things out ... I just didn't know it was a very rarely-needed procedure. I just keep kicking myself because this job would be long-since done if I'd just put the shaft with its perfectly good old bushing back on. But like you said, it's a lesson. And hopefully it'll go back on OK and not give me any weird vibrations. We'll see ... I really can't wait to get this thing back on the road!

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1987 300D, arctic white/palomino--314,000 miles
1978 240D 4-speed, Euro Delivery, light ivory/bamboo--370,000 miles
2005 Jeep Liberty CRD Limited, light khaki/slate--140,000 miles
2018 Chevy Cruze diesel, 6-speed manual, satin steel metallic/kalahari--19,000 miles
1982 Peugeot 505 diesel, 4-speed manual, blue/blue, 130,000 miles
1995 S320, black/parchment--34,000 miles (Dad's car)