Can you identify the problem in the picture?

[Tstinson]

Started hearing some inconsistent noises lately. Squeaking, clunking etc. Looked underneath and discovered a polished ring around the shaft near the u-joint. Slipping? Coming loose? Tighten? Replace?

 

[mtbtim]

Is that the rear u-joint that connects to the rear differential?

 

[Unner]

That's the slip yoke on the driveshaft, The shiny part is where it moves in and out as the suspension moves and it compresses and extends.

 

[SaulG]

Pretty small slip joint.....looks more like something rubbed on shaft at that spot.

 

[mtbtim]

Pretty small slip joint.....looks more like something rubbed on shaft at that spot.

That's what I was thinking. The area where the slip yoke slides into the main driveshaft is not shown in the picture. It almost looks like the slip yoke is somehow coming apart unless the shaft did rub on something like the gas tank skid plate. There is a definite line on the shaft that leads me to believe the slip yoke is actually pulling apart. OP, I wouldn't drive this until you examine it a lot closer because losing the driveshaft while driving wouldn't be good.

 

[Tstinson]

Rear u-joint indeed.

Is that the rear u-joint that connects to the rear differential?

Rear u-jpoint indeed

 

[jmferg]

What are your rear suspension specs?


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[Tstinson]

What are your rear suspension specs?


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DO you mean lift? If so, Toytec 3" BOSS rear shocks and Eibach springs.

 

[Tstinson]

That's what I was thinking. The area where the slip yoke slides into the main driveshaft is not shown in the picture. It almost looks like the slip yoke is somehow coming apart unless the shaft did rub on something like the gas tank skid plate. There is a definite line on the shaft that leads me to believe the slip yoke is actually pulling apart. OP, I wouldn't drive this until you examine it a lot closer because losing the driveshaft while driving wouldn't be good.

MTBTM - I agree and thank you! We will drive it to the shop (2 miles away) first thing in the a.m.

 

[Unner]

That's what I was thinking. The area where the slip yoke slides into the main driveshaft is not shown in the picture. It almost looks like the slip yoke is somehow coming apart unless the shaft did rub on something like the gas tank skid plate. There is a definite line on the shaft that leads me to believe the slip yoke is actually pulling apart. OP, I wouldn't drive this until you examine it a lot closer because losing the driveshaft while driving wouldn't be good.

I looked at the picture closer this time and I think you're right. That definitely isn't normal OP. I'd check it out thoroughly.

 

[RedSled]

What is that dark spot just below that? Does it somehow relate?

 

[Toyotayoda]

Look like the u joint has never been greased(unless the pixelation covers the evidence). There are a minimum of 6 grease perks on the front and rear prop shafts, they need grease every 15k

 

[96RedRunner]

Your slip yoke is separating.
Toyota slip yokes are two piece that are a shrink fit when made. Two prong fork for u-joint and the splined tube. Don't weld it to repair it, best bet salvage yard.

 

[Tstinson]

Thanks to all who offered your opinions and advice. My local mechanic (not very familiar with 4runners) found minor bits of metal shavings on the rear diff plug when removing it to check for fluid. At the very least, we need new bearings. Your comments regarding lubricating the u-joint and replacing the slip yoke will all be addressed. Not great news but not horrible either considering the ironic timing. We were just about to have an ARB air locker installed. They were going to do the bearings while in the third member, and, can inspect service the other parts easily while at it.

Thanks again to all who offered assistance. At the very least, you helped us to pinpoint things a bit and know a bit more about what to expect.

 

[octanejunkie]

Your slip yoke is separating.
Toyota slip yokes are two piece that are a shrink fit when made. Two prong fork for u-joint and the splined tube. Don't weld it to repair it, best bet salvage yard.

Separating, okay, but the drive shaft is getting longer as it separates from the yoke - where is the extra length going, into the trans?

 

[mtbtim]

Thanks to all who offered your opinions and advice. My local mechanic (not very familiar with 4runners) found minor bits of metal shavings on the rear diff plug when removing it to check for fluid. At the very least, we need new bearings. Your comments regarding lubricating the u-joint and replacing the slip yoke will all be addressed. Not great news but not horrible either considering the ironic timing. We were just about to have an ARB air locker installed. They were going to do the bearings while in the third member, and, can inspect service the other parts easily while at it.

Thanks again to all who offered assistance. At the very least, you helped us to pinpoint things a bit and know a bit more about what to expect.

You might want to check out East Coast Gear Supply for the cost of a 3rd member with an ARB locker installed compared to what your mechanic will charge you. I suspect you might be better off ordering one through East Coast Gear Supply and sending them your old one for the core charge.

And, you can do the swap yourself. Easy peasy. Here's a video [MENTION=102606]infamousRNR[/MENTION] and I made helping [MENTION=148218]JZiggy[/MENTION] with his 3rd member swap:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZMTbgY1xQKk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[96RedRunner]

Separating, okay, but the drive shaft is getting longer as it separates from the yoke - where is the extra length going, into the trans?

No. Into the drive shaft. As long as it is not froze up functioning properly.