Front U-Joint?

[Dous]

Quick question...

Is the U-Joint closest to the transmission on the the rear driveshaft replaceable or rebuild-able? I have searched high and low and can't get a clear answer. Mine is completely toast, I can grease the piss out of it and it will be okay for a few days.

1999 4runner 2wd

 

[HCurphy]

from what I've experienced it's time for a new driveshaft.
I at one point found a thread on YT that claimed you could rebuild them-but it's press work and a royal PITA.
(Also, no one seems to know **** regarding the 2wd u joints) every thread I have found only refers to 4wd joints.)
When I had u-joint issues i just picked up a used driveshaft from a salvage yard. Worked for me.

 

[Dous]

I dunno, I don't have that many miles and I don't really feel confident that a used shaft from a wrecked 4runner would be much better, but it's an option.

 

[HCurphy]

It's certainly a gamble.
I had all these problems a few years ago, so I don't remember how much brand new shaft costs. But you could go that route.
I'm still looking for that YT thread for ya, but I can't find it right now...
I want to say the consensus was non rebuildable.

edit: this is the closest I can find. http://www.yotatech.com/f212/1999-2wd-4runner-vibration-driveshaft-242861/
They are replaceable, you have to make sure you can keep the driveshaft balanced though(tricky DIY I would imagine), this guy paid a driveline shop ~200 to install brand new u joints.
(I paid about that for my used driveshaft if I remember correctly)

 

[Dous]

It's certainly a gamble.
I had all these problems a few years ago, so I don't remember how much brand new shaft costs. But you could go that route.
I'm still looking for that YT thread for ya, but I can't find it right now...
I want to say the consensus was non rebuildable.

I appreciate you looking!

-Yea I keep finding people who are saying that they replaced the front ones and then some are saying that it is not possible.

A rebuilt front shaft goes for 350, I cant imagine how much a rear would go for its over twice the damn length.

 

[98_4runnerSR5]

Quick question...

Is the U-Joint closest to the transmission on the the rear driveshaft replaceable or rebuild-able? I have searched high and low and can't get a clear answer. Mine is completely toast, I can grease the piss out of it and it will be okay for a few days.

1999 4runner 2wd

How do you know when it's toast? Is this referring to infamous u joint clunk when you come to a stop and it feels like someone has bumped into the back end of you?

 

[cfranck1]

Being a 2wd it most likely be changeable.
Heres a picture to show you.

In fact I think both U-Joints are the same part.

 

[HCurphy]

yep there both the same part if I remember correctly.

I still don't understand why Toyota didn't put greasable on the 2wd's...

 

[Dous]

Thanks guys!

How do I know it's toast?
-It makes noise at low speeds
-The damn thing freaking snaps into reverse, very violently, not so much in drive
-I'm getting vibration at highway speed, pretty sure its not the tires
-The rear u-joint was replaced less than a year ago

And another thing, I actually have greaseable U-joints from the factory

 

[HCurphy]

And another thing, I actually have greaseable U-joints from the factory

hmm. I was pretty sure Toyota didn't send any from the factory with zerks. How do you know yours came from the factory that way? (not saying it didn't, just trying to learn something new :cheers

 

[Dous]

hmm. I was pretty sure Toyota didn't send any from the factory with zerks. How do you know yours came from the factory that way? (not saying it didn't, just trying to learn something new :cheers

We bought it brand new, my mom never had them replaced. I replaced the first one last year. I have all the maintenance records, unless something slipped by. If they had been replaced I doubt I would have had to replace that one, it looked like it had 100k on it! :banana:

 

[HCurphy]

interesting. I'm so confused now. I guess i'll have to spend even MORE time reading up on my 4runner now. (I wonder if it was a part of the mid gen refresh)(No, that can't be it because my 02 doesn't them either, hmm...)

 

[Gerdo]

Being a 2wd it most likely be changeable.
Heres a picture to show you.

In fact I think both U-Joints are the same part.

Looking at this image, I'm sure they both are replaceable. If you don't want to do it you can take it one of the small auto parts/machine shops and have them do it or a driveline/driveshaft shop.

Pull the driveshaft out and five it a feel. Rotate and roll slowly, it should be smooth feeling.

 

[Dous]

Looking at this image, I'm sure they both are replaceable. If you don't want to do it you can take it one of the small auto parts/machine shops and have them do it or a driveline/driveshaft shop.

Pull the driveshaft out and five it a feel. Rotate and roll slowly, it should be smooth feeling.

Yea I will have to give it a go before the whole thing explodes on me. Thanks!

 

[HCurphy]

when/if you do pull the shaft make sure you mark both ends so you can put it back in the same exact way it came out.

 

[recordcollector]

mine does it when i shift to drive from park

How do you know when it's toast? Is this referring to infamous u joint clunk when you come to a stop and it feels like someone has bumped into the back end of you?

mine does it when shifting from park to drive