On a 2WD, I'd suggest replacing the whole driveshaft... They are a different design than the 4WD shaft, with the center tube section having a rubber isolator that goes bad with age. A whole new shaft is basically the only answer to that.
-Charlie
I'm not saying this isn't true, but I think that's jumping the gun a little, unless the OP noticed vibrations before the squeak started.
I replaced both u-joints about a year ago on a roughly 200k driveshaft and it still runs perfectly smooth at highway speeds.
I wonder why Toyota designed the 2WD driveshafts like that, especially because the 4WD ones weren't.
Man, you got me worried. I just became a new 1st time owner of a '00 4runner limited and I hope I don't run into an issue
Well you're gonna have issues. After all, it IS a 19 year old vehicle. That being said, these are some of the easiest vehicles to work on and diagnose problems with. They are also statistically near the longest lasting, most reliable gasoline powered consumer vehicles that ever existed. So, take care of it, and it'll take care of you.
There are also plenty in junk yards, so you can usually find any part you need at any time for pennies on the dollar (as long as a used part is suitable).
When I replaced my u-joints, I just dropped the driveshaft and took it to the shop at the front of my neighborhood and picked it back up in a couple hours. $150 for both u-joints, and a 2 year, 20k mile warranty. The driveshaft is easy to drop/install. My total time invested in the job was probably less than 1.5 hours, not including waiting for them to call and say they were ready for me.
