Rear driveshaft Universal Joint bad

[Hippo393]

Did a search for 3rd Generation Universal Joint, and got 439 threads. Gah!! I suck at searching!

Got a bad U-joint on the rear driveshaft-to-rear-axle on a '97 rear wheel drive 4Runner. Gave me a serious humming/vibration at 55MPH or higher. Is that something that a DIY'er can ordinarily tap out and replace, or is that a press-fit, shop-only fix?

Thanks,
-Alan

 

[kolelt]

Did a search for 3rd Generation Universal Joint, and got 439 threads. Gah!! I suck at searching!

Got a bad U-joint on the rear driveshaft-to-rear-axle on a '97 rear wheel drive 4Runner. Gave me a serious humming/vibration at 55MPH or higher. Is that something that a DIY'er can ordinarily tap out and replace, or is that a press-fit, shop-only fix?

Thanks,
-Alan

Can definitely be done at home. Easier with 2 people.

 

[HiLife]

Be sure to mark the yoke and the shaft before taking it apart. That way you don't put it together 180 degrees off and throw off the balance of the shaft as a whole.

 

[sleepydad]

I had the same thing recently. Replaced rear u joint, was a pain but doable. Then I also figured out I had play in the front double joint as well.

Decided to just get a new custom drive shaft from tom woods in Ogden UT. Best decision, it's balanced and the truck drives super smooth again. Driveshafts do wear out and the Toyota ujoints are like $80.

 

[weezykid]

Check out HighAngle Driveline or one other places I cant remember (AllPro or Front Range maybe?). They had factory Koyo joints for around $30 ea.
I've changed many Chevy joints over the years and I couldnt get my rear shaft joint out. I would save the trouble and torch them out if you can just avoid heating the flanges..
Most driveshaft repair places can replace them and go over the shaft to make sure all is well with a rebalance.

 

[octanejunkie]

I had both u-joints replaced at a shop in Reno over new years, cost me $90 out the door and they are both greaseable now

 

[phattyduck]

Did a search for 3rd Generation Universal Joint, and got 439 threads. Gah!! I suck at searching!

Got a bad U-joint on the rear driveshaft-to-rear-axle on a '97 rear wheel drive 4Runner. Gave me a serious humming/vibration at 55MPH or higher. Is that something that a DIY'er can ordinarily tap out and replace, or is that a press-fit, shop-only fix?

Thanks,
-Alan

Oh, just re-read and noticed you are 2WD. U-joints may not be the only problem with the shaft. It has a rubber vibration isolator in the middle of the shaft that can go bad with age and cause the problems you are describing. The only fix for that is a complete new driveshaft.

-Charlie

 

[kolelt]

Be sure to mark the yoke and the shaft before taking it apart. That way you don't put it together 180 degrees off and throw off the balance of the shaft as a whole.

You can put the slip yoke back by putting it on a table. Cuz I remember mine just slipped out and fell on the ground. I had no marks. I put the driveshaft on a flat table. One u joint was flat. And put the slip joke. So there is no binding. Hard to explain. Basically common sense

 

[kolelt]

I had both u-joints replaced at a shop in Reno over new years, cost me $90 out the door and they are both greaseable now

In a way they are weaker. Because the inside core is hallow

 

[Hippo393]

Successfully had the rear u-joint replaced by a shop. Cost about $135. Much better drive now. Amazing how much easier it is to have someone else do that job when we have a newborn.

 

[Ricktuk]

agree with the posts about having the shaft balanced if joints ever go out. that vibrations is shaking the shaft possibly throwing it out. if it is slightly out you will get a slight vibration that will tear up the new joints quick, and probably throw the shaft out more. Its just one of those "just spend the money and do it right." things