[Marc A]

Steve,

Vibration is the first noticeable indicator of a torque tube problem although most people can not isolate the vibration to the tube. It is usually blamed on other things like bad motor mounts or tranny mounts. So you end up finding it by process of elimination.

If the vibration is ignored the forward end of the drive shaft can be damaged when the bearings get really bad.

Removal requires dropping the tranny and torsion bar housing so the rear bell housing can clear the spare tire housing.

Special tools are not needed, just some pieces from Home Depo and a hockey puck. It can be done by most DIYers.