I now have a new idea. Same as above but I will turn down the end of
the shaft (opposite end that the prop is on) from 1.5 to 1.125 and
just a bit less than the thickness of a shielded integrated steel ball
thrust bearing
(mcmaster part # 60715K16) rated at 7000 lbs thrust load. This will be
pushing on part of the framework and I was thinking of "bedding the
end of the bearing with JB weld or something similar so it will be
evenly seated.