Drive shaft Question

[Christopher Belinda]

Good Morning - I have read several, very informative posts on this site regarding the 63/64 drive shaft and am looking for a few recommendations.  My Park Avenue is a relatively low mileage car (32,000); however, in an effort to make this a very reliable, long distance traveler I would like to ensure that this vital component has a clean bill of health.  Normally, this would mean replacing all universal joints, greasing the slip yoke, and replacing the carrier bearing/mount.  As you have made me aware (and now I see it first hand), this is a different beast altogether.  I did have a slight vibration in the car around 65/70 that was not present of either side of that speed range.  While the engine and transmission are out, I'd really like to have this checked on a balance machine and maintenance it accordingly.  Some more information:  both constant velocity joints appear "tight."  That is to say, they move  somewhat freely when rotated about the center ball, and bind slightly when centering is attempted ... I suppose an indication that they are somewhat healthy.  The slip yoke still has a very zinc laden grease on it when pulled/pushed to its limits.  I will most likely replace with carrier assembly; however, I'd again appreciate your experiences/recommendations with these things.  I know that every car is different, lived in different climate zones, etc.  But I'm also a guy that will be driving along thinking of that one end cap that allowed moisture in, the needle bearings are dry, and somewhere around 1000 miles from home the dreaded death rattle is felt ...