Help! Annoying clicking!

I have developed a very annoying clicking noise coming from my drivetrain/under the truck. At first I thought it was my front-right brake caliper but I pulled the wheels and put some grease on the pad clips but the click is still there. The CV's look fine and nothing is wrong with brakes.

This evening I took it for a drive and also had a friend it drive by me so I could hear the click a little better. It seems like it clicks everytime the transmission shifts (up or down). The click is pretty loud and very noticeable.

Any input would be appreciated. I don't want to take it to the dealer!

BTW my Tacoma is an '06, automatic transmission, 4x4 and 49k miles.

TIA!

 

drive shaft maybe?

 

Had the drive shaft lubed today and clicking still there.

Anybody else have an idea?

 

just because it was lubed doesn't mean a U-joint isn't bad. If it happens everytime you shift, chances are its in the rear driveshaft or transmission. Since driveshafts are easier to work on I'd start there. Grab your drive shaft and try to rotate it back and forth. It should be very solid and if any movement, you should be moving your truck slightly. If you feel ANY play at all you've got a bad u-joint. Also check to make sure your carrier bearing is tight. I've had one work lose before on another vehicle.

 

Thanks, I'll check it out tomorrow.

 

I finally got under the truck this morning. On the front driveshaft above the carrier bearing and before the transmission I can move the driveshaft about 1/4" each way. When I move it I also can hear a clicking noise very similar to the clicking I am hearing when driving but I also get the same clicking when I move the driveshaft between the trans case and transmission. So is it a bad u-joint? The clicking sounds like it's coming from the transmission.