3rd Gen Rear Drive Shaft Recommendations

[davidtn]

Hey! I need a rear drive shaft for a 2001 4wd 4Runner. Specifically, pretty much all my u joints need replacing and 3 machine shops didn't want to touch it. Where/what have you all bought? Looking for new or refurbished that comes with the u joints.

Thanks in advance!

 

[MaineRunna]

This is kind of a pain because no parts store and not even Toyota sell the u-joints or centering ball, only the rear joint. Unless you know a drive shaft place that can splice Spicer stuff to Toyota stuff or someone or place that sell a rebuilt one your only options are dealer new or a good used.

 

[greeney]

I recently picked up a used rear drive shaft unit for 300. They usually come with a 30 to 60 day warranty. If you can find a dedicated drive shaft shop they don't charge too much to balance and replace u-joints.

 

[pauldub]

You can buy new ones from Tom Wood.

 

[thezentree]

You can buy new ones from Tom Wood.

~$450 shipped and good customer service.

 

[theesotericone]

~$450 shipped and good customer service.

Good? I think you meant exceptional.

A few months ago I was out wheeling Claw Hammer. I bent my rear drivers lower link at 90 degrees. That pulled my driver side tire almost into my rear door. The bind from that on the rear driveshaft was insane. FML.

I decided to not pull the rear shaft. The idea was to put it in lo/lo and try and use the torque and the rear shaft to push the axle back. That was a bad idea. I pulled forward a foot and heard a huge snap. I blew the yoke into 3 pieces. Amazingly enough the Spicer 1310 U-joint that everyone loves to complain about wasn't bent. lol

I got the rig home and called Tom Woods. I explained I just blew the yoke and how I did it. The guy on the phone tells me the only time they ever see this is if the drive line is way off angle and has serious bind. I confirm his idea and just ask them to fix it. I'll pay.

They send me a UPS label and I send the shaft out on a Monday. Wednesday I get a call from them. They let me know my shaft has been repaired and is back on it's way to me. I ask how they want to be paid. I was told don't worry about we take care of our customers. I was blown away.

So, they not only took care of fixing it but they also covered shipping both ways. I didn't pay a single penny for that repair and it was entirely my fault. They are way better then good. lol

 

[audiness]

They are way better then good. lol

Love hearing stories like this. I will buy from them when I need a driveshaft.