center bearing question

[snowmobiler7c]

I have a 2003 f250 crew cab 4x4 7.3L truck with 143K. I am just starting to drop the fuel tank to do the hutch mod, and noticed a peice of thin metal sticking out the center bearing. I pulled it out. But now my question is should the center bearing have any slop at all? I have never done u joints on a truck with a center bearing yet. When i push on the driveshaft it moves up at the joint about 1/4in or so. It also appears if i unbolted the center bearing from the body that the metal frame would sperate from the rubber. Im thinking my center bearing must be bad not sure. Any ideas?

I have no issue at all with vibration or road noise yet besides my mud tires, even up to 90mph.
thanks for any input
Mark

[Zaairman]

Sounds like your carrier bearing needs replacement...