Over on the Miata forum a fellow has discovered he has excessive end play on the crank of his 99 Miata (a fairly common problem in a smallish number of 99s).

Another fellow is saying he can simply replace half the thrust bearing without removing the engine.

Does this seem practical to anybody here?

Seems unlikely to be a good idea to me.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.