Porsche Repair: Transaxle, rear bearings, ring gears

Question
Dave,
I have a manual shift 1988 944 and it sounds like the rear end is coming out when you try to pull out. Someone said they thought I had a ring gear bad and it would cost a fortune to repair.  Please let me know what you think.  I would like to repair the car if possible.
                                      Thanks,
                                       Jon  

Answer
Hi Jon,

I'm curious whether this phenomenon occurred overnight or did you hear it coming little by little?  If you're considering wild and crazy ideas, like broken ring gears, I'll give you one too!

One thing to consider is that the engine and the transmission (in the rear) are connected via the driveshaft "tube" and the tube holds front and rear bearings that center the driveshaft.  When the bearings give way the driveshaft starts to flop arund like a fish on the deck of a boat.

I'd expect replacing these bearings or the ring gear would be somewhat less than a fortune.  On the other hand, if you're giving the car away in disgust, let me know...I'll come tow it away.

Dave