What can cause a thrust bearing to fail within 3,000 miles? I put a newish Garrett on my van, seemed fine before installation, but the thing was dumping oil into the exhaust like crazy! I pulled it out to find 3 mm end-play, so I am guessing that the thrust bearing is sh*t. What could be the root cause of this? Possibly just a bad thrust bearing? There really is no side-play to speak of, just the end play. I am sure this was the source of the smoking problem that I was having.
I am worried about putting my new .50 trim on and damaging it in the same way. What should I pay particular attention to?

-Les