Annoying unknown vibration 06 4-cyl 4x4

Ok, so I picked up a vibration about 15,000 miles ago. At first I thought it was a wheel balance issue. Got them rebalanced (a few times since it showed up). Not fixed. Ok then, moved on to struts/shocks since it was time to do them. Nope, no change. Then went to the rear carrier bearing since it seemed sloppy. No luck again. I even replaced all my u-joints when I did that. My tire shop said it might be a "cheap tire" problem (i.e. uneven wear, out of round, etc) so I just lived with it until last weekend when I changed my wheels and tires. I had high hopes that the vibration was gone. Skunked again.

The vibration is relative to my speed. At low speeds it feels like a tire is egg shaped and it's a slow shimmy/shake. It almost disappears somewhere between 40-65, then is worst at 70. At 70 the whole truck vibrates/shakes, but not terribly. The steering wheel shakes a bit, too, but I'm almost positive it's just telegraphing the vibration thru the steering components. It doesn't shimmy or shake like a bent rim or the like. I just can't pin it down. The whole truck vibrates a little. My stick shifter wobbles a little. At 75-80+ it's smooth as silk. LOL.

So I'm thinking if I had a wheel bearing that's failing, I'd have some noise and would be able to tell which was bad. I've changed out the front driver's wheel bearing b/c it was squeaking/ squealing so I'm familiar with bearing failures.

All my suspension and steering parts seem fine. I have lots of miles on the rig, so it might be time for some ball joint replacement(s) but none look bad. I recently put in an AAL and strut spacer (3" lift) and there was zero effect on the vibration. With 4wheel drive engaged there's no effect either.

So, the last thing I can think of is the driveline. I mean, should I just drop the driveshaft and take it to be balanced at a shop? Seems like a shot in the dark. How often does a driveshaft throw a balancing weight? Ever? Does it ever really go out of balance? I don't mistreat my truck, so I'd be surprised if it was bent. What sort of rear axle issues would cause this? Anything? Could my standard transmission be going? It shifts like new and makes no noises.

AAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGG!

Help y'all. This is driving me coo-coo-bananas!

 

Might have had a weight in the driveshaft from factory that finally came off. I've seen that before. Have had to take the drive shaft to a driveline shop and get it rebalanced. Good luck I hate a vibration

 

Go and see how much play your driver side CV axle has at the diff. Then read this...

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...differential-bearing-vibration-thread.152173/

 

Hey 802- I just perused that thread a little and there's lots of discussion about growing, popping and the like. I have zero noise at this point. Engaging 4-wheel drive doesn't change it. And because I can't ID where the vib is coming from (which most people on your suggested thread can do), I'm still leaning toward the driveshaft. If I have a passenger, they swear it's coming from their side. A passenger in the back says it's coming from behind them (back of truck) and I feel like it is coming from my side. Damnedist thing!

 

Slight "bouncing" feel at lower speeds. Smooth as glass at 65mph. Vibration at 70mph. Smooth as glass at 75mph+.

 

Here's a video with sound that I took last evening. Does this verify that my OE CV/front diff bearing is bad? You have to sort of ignore my brake pads-on-rotor noise and my son slap-spinning the tire for me. LOL You can here that it's clicking.