bad thrust bearing need 500 miles

I found a really good deal on a box truck. The guy told me he had it checked out and the thrust bearing is bad (1/4" thrust seems excessive to me but that is what he told me).

I drove cars and trucks with about every symptom except this one...I would like to drive it back to my shop for repairs but I am not shure if it will make it.....

Has anyone drove a long period of time with a bad thrust bearing....

Thanx in advance....