Double Cardan question:

[Nelsonmd]

I have read here that the u-joints in the double cardan are a different size from the single rear U-joint. Is this true, and has anyone replaced those joints? I assume the double cardan isn't a regular service item simply because the lower stress on the joints themselves mean they last long enough to qualify as a non-maintenance item, but if one does go out, can you replace the u-joints in it, or do you HAVE to buy a whole new DS?

I ask this not with any plans for doing unnecessary maintenance, I am just curious.

 

[AZTOY]

I had my drive shaft rebuilt. All new joints, balanced and painted. Some people do it themselves, but it is not an easy job.

 

[FrankM23]

Get replacement joints. I believe Spicer is what Toyota uses.

 

[AZTOY]

Get replacement joints. I believe Spicer is what Toyota uses.

Ask the Toyota dealership and they will tell you to buy a whole new drive shaft because it can't be rebuilt. They don't do it.

 

[JWaldz]

The dealership use to to it, but they stopped. It's too much of a task. It takes a pretty good driveline shop to do it. Most the time, it's easier just to replace the whole driveshaft. Just depends if you can find someone to do it or feel like taking on the pita task of doing it yourself. I've replaced a single u-joint before. That alone is a pita.

 

[fourwd1]

I have read here that the u-joints in the double cardan are a different size from the single rear U-joint. Is this true, and has anyone replaced those joints? I assume the double cardan isn't a regular service item simply because the lower stress on the joints themselves mean they last long enough to qualify as a non-maintenance item, but if one does go out, can you replace the u-joints in it, or do you HAVE to buy a whole new DS?

I ask this not with any plans for doing unnecessary maintenance, I am just curious.

A DC uses standard parts like any other joint (but not the same p/n as the other u-joints, IIRC). It can be rebuilt, it's just harder to do. A local driveline shop should be able to do it for you, or if you want to try it you could check with High Angle Driveline. BTW, High Angle is great, they've built several custom shafts for my trucks.

 

[JWaldz]

If mine ever starts to go I'm having a driveline shop make me one with single u joints on both ends

Who knows, I might have a crawl box by then with custom driveshafts anyways

 

[Nelsonmd]

So why exactly is it more difficult to rebuild, other than the fact that it would be 2x as many bearing cups to press in as the single u-joint?

I just did the single u-joint and I thought it was relatively easy.

 

[AZTOY]

So why exactly is it more difficult to rebuild, other than the fact that it would be 2x as many bearing cups to press in as the single u-joint?

I just did the single u-joint and I thought it was relatively easy.

Single u-joint on a 3rd gen 4runner? If so, which one? If not, you will find out if you do it yourself. Have you researched parts or diy write ups for this at all. All of us are speaking from experience.

 

[FrankM23]

Go on ttora. Theres more guys on there that have replaced joints rather than the shaft itself. take it to a driveline shop. And good point on high angle driveline. Yes you can get another shaft but having new joints gives me piece of mind compared to a shaft from the yard

 

[FrankM23]

Ask the Toyota dealership and they will tell you to buy a whole new drive shaft because it can't be rebuilt. They don't do it.

I was referring to toyota using the spicer joints. If going to a driveline shop just use the good stuff and go spicer. I know moog has some as well but i havent heard too much about them.

 

[Nelsonmd]

Single u-joint on a 3rd gen 4runner? If so, which one? If not, you will find out if you do it yourself. Have you researched parts or diy write ups for this at all. All of us are speaking from experience.

Yeah, the single rear u-joint on the drive shaft. This one:

I am speaking from experience too since I just replaced it last weekend, it wasn't that bad. We must be thinking of different things.

Anyway, just to clarify because some people are misunderstanding, I am not asking any of this because I want/need to replace anything, I am just curious for my own enrichment if you can replace the u-joints in the DC yourself, and if anyone knows the size/PN for the DC replacement joints since Toyota doesn't consider it a serviceable item.

Telling me to take it to a driveline shop isn't answering my question, I want to know why it's harder to replace the joints in the DC than the single rear u-joint.

 

[Nelsonmd]

I was referring to toyota using the spicer joints. If going to a driveline shop just use the good stuff and go spicer. I know moog has some as well but i havent heard too much about them.

BTW, I bought the Moog u-joint because it was $12 I'll post up if it doesn't last. It seemed fine to me when putting it in.

 

[AZTOY]

Yeah, the single rear u-joint on the drive shaft. This one:

I am speaking from experience too since I just replaced it last weekend, it wasn't that bad. We must be thinking of different things.

Anyway, just to clarify because some people are misunderstanding, I am not asking any of this because I want/need to replace anything, I am just curious for my own enrichment if you can replace the u-joints in the DC yourself, and if anyone knows the size/PN for the DC replacement joints since Toyota doesn't consider it a serviceable item.

Telling me to take it to a driveline shop isn't answering my question, I want to know why it's harder to replace the joints in the DC than the single rear u-joint.

Ok. I have replaced u-joints before and the rear 4runner is easy. I don't know the parts. I was just telling you what I did. Based on my research for my drive shaft the front ujoints and DC on the rear drive shaft are difficult to work on. Some have success, many don't. This is based on members here, yotatech, ttora and 4x4 wire. I looked into the parts but didn't find much. Good luck!

 

[iowajosh]

I was looking for these joints for my t100. Maybe slightly different. The t100 is mostly made out of taco/4runner/pickup parts. There isn't much on the cardan joints out there. Some people say they have gotten them rebuilt at a driveline shop.

A double cardan has a ball in the middle to align it when it spins. Which is probably out there in some catalog but I get the idea you have to break the thing down and measure it because I know the parts don't say "fits t100".

I just took my shaft to get redone and the guy really didn't want to mess with the cardan at all. Straightened it and ballanced it only.

 

[J-money$$$]

If mine ever starts to go I'm having a driveline shop make me one with single u joints on both ends

Who knows, I might have a crawl box by then with custom driveshafts anyways

Exactly what I did. Now 1 ujoint fits every location on the truck My driveline guy said these double cardans can be rebuilt, its not that its impossible, but it gets really expensive. The part with the ball in the inside is really pricey if its toasted. You could get an older toyota double cardan that has more replacement parts available and have that put on your drive shaft.

people in the past have had issues actually finding a part number for the ujoints.