Ping sounds

Need help.my 03 tacoma 3.4L v6 4x4 TRD off-road auto trans. My truck has 250k on all original equipment (trans,engine,u-joints,ball joints,wheel bearings etc...im getting a "Ping" sound at times when pulling in or out of driveways,parking spots and shifting in reverse and drive. has anyone had this experience before.If anyone as experienced or experience here I'd appreciate any and all feedback.also this truck has had a pretty easy life since 140k. no off-roading or snatching and no ruff stuff at all and regular maintenance and always oem wheels and tire size.

 

I'd be looking closely at those lower ball joints if they've never been replaced at this point. Your life could depend on it. It might be the best practice to retire them at this point.

 

I have a ping sound, mine comes from the double cardan in the driveshaft. Maybe drop the driveshaft, 8 bolts, and the center section (2 more bolts), and see how it feels.

 

I will certainly do that but I feel this issue is not in the front end.its more like the driveshaft area, rearend, carrier bearing or where it connects to trans.thanks for the info on the ball joints I'll do that even if I can't find this ping issue.I'm planning on keeping this truck till time to use the bed as a flowerpot so any and all recommendations to replace old critical parts are welcomed!

 

What is the carDan would that be like a yoke?would any old mechanic shop be capable of doing this type of work? U-joints, ball joints Etc..

 

they would be able to inspect it. The double cardan is like a double ujoint, its the joint in your driveshaft. It is not repairable, only replaceable. with the driveshaft out though you would be able to play with the joints and see if there is any play.