Drive shaft vibration

[bumg56]

I have a 1998 4Runner 2WD, V-6 with 200,000 miles. I have replaced the u-joints three times in the last two years and am still having vibration issues. I have checked the splines and there are no issues there. I marked everything before removing and disassembling it so it went back in the same way it came out and apart. It starts out as a fine vibration at speeds above 65mph and gets worse as speed increases from there. This is the only truck I have ever had issues like this with, I have replaced many u-joints in the past on other trucks with no repeat issues. My only thought is maybe a balance problem?

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[maco33]

Check your rear wheel bearings and tranny mount, I replaced them on my truck and that fixed the vibration on my truck. '87 4runner with 207,000 miles.

 

[bumg56]

I replaced the wheel bearings a year ago when a seal went south without the truck. Trans mount is solid, as are the engine mounts, differential was overhauled when I did the wheel bearings.

Thinking I am going to take the drive shaft to an axle shop and have the balance checked and another set of u-joints.

I appreciate the input, I was trying to get a second opinion and maybe see if there are some common issues.

 

[fourwd1]

Ok, no ones asked the important question. Is your suspension stock or have you lifted it on any way ?

 

[bumg56]

Suspension is stock, shocks front and rear, sway bar bushings front and rear, steering gear less than a year ago and tires only have 10,000 miles and balance on them has been checked.

 

[RS Dude]

Drive shaft probably needs to be balanced or it may be bent.

 

[fourwd1]

Ok, next question. Have you ever pulled the drive shaft totally apart?
If you have and put it back together and where off by just one spline, you'll get vibes.

 

[bumg56]

Thanks

At fourwd1;
It is a one piece drive shaft, (2WD not 4WD) so it does not come apart like the 4WD shaft does.

I appreciate all the help from you folks, looks like it may be headed to a drive line shop to check for balance. This was my first thought, but I wanted to know first if there were any common issues with the 2WD drive shafts.