I have a 1996 2 wheel drive automatic 4.0 engine. I had the hanger bearing replaced about 6 months ago. I noticed a strange noise coming from between the rear of the cab and the box. Upon further investigation I noticed a washer on the rear side of the hanger bearing was loose and making this terrible noise. My question is: what does that washer do? It is not attached to the hanger bearing bracket in any way. Can I take the rear drive shaft off and remove the washer with no negative affects? Tom

 

I believe the washer acts as a bearing cover. You probably could get away with out it. One permanent fix for this is swapping your driveshaft out for newer 1 peice from a 98+. boom! no more hanger bearing lol.