Greaseable ujoints for late 2016 and 2017 Tacomas

After considerable experimentation, I have found the Spicer ujoints that fit the late 2016 and 2017, and probably 2018 V-6 Tacomas that do not have greaseable ujoints. They have the same Spicer number (SPR 539), but have the zerk fitting, and a different Toyota part number. I used my mic and all dimensions are identical (see image).

The part number is 04371-0K082. The ujoints on the right are the current non-greaseable version for 16-17s. I got mine at TRDShop.com.

Cheers

 

Will keep in mind.

 

subd

 

Maybe they used the ujoints with zirc fittings on the Pros. I haven't heard.

 

Nope. No tit nipples on mine.

 

Is this a potential solve for the drive shaft ‘clunk’? I’ve heard greasing stops it, but thought there were multiple zerks that needed greasing. If this is it...I may give it a try!

 

When does your clunk occur; acceleration, deceleration, while downshifting...?

 

I just greased my u-joints today. My truck was built in march 2016, just before they started phasing them out.
My 2003 OR gets greased with every oil change and they have 208,000 miles on them. I'm glad I got greaseable u-joints.

 

It's "Zerk", for Oskar Zerkowitz who developed the initial concept in 1913-14 and marketed it in 1920 or so. Though the common contemporary grease fittings are an improvement on Zerk's design patented in 1933 by Stewart-Warner and their engineer Joseph Bystricky; and are more correctly called "Alemite" fittings as Stewart-Warner bought Alemite ( a company begun by Oskar Zerkowitz) and retained the name for its lubrication products...

 

@splitbolt
Mine typically happens decelerating (or right after stopping)

 

Exactly. I've had five Toyota trucks and all had greaseable ujoints. Now my 2017 will too. I greased them at every oil change.

 

Thanks. That's what a PhD does for you!

 

That's the slip joint making the clunk.
The spring 'loads up' while decelerating/braking causing the pinion to dive.
When the spring unloads, the pinion rotates up, causing the slip joint to clunk...
Try fixing axle wrap; or rather loading and unloading of the spring.
I helped a member recently with his, by suggesting reinforcing his main leafs by adding spring keepers/clamps.
Place them between the axle and main hanger.

Sorry for the hijack @shackley.
Mind if I link this thread in the u-joint lube thread?

 

Hey gentlemen .
Considering these universal joints are made by the spicer company , all you need to do is post up a few pictures showing the measurements of the u-joint along with a few pictures of the u joint in the expanded view
Spicer designs driveshafts for all domestic vehicles as well as vehicles on the other side of the pond .
No need to purchase Toyota brand .
If you are looking for quality universal joints with a grease zerk in the trunnion , they are a dime a dozen .
If you are looking for a universal joint with the grease zerk in one of the 4 caps , a little pricey but still better than factory prices .
A drivetrain shop is the best place to purchase these . Any shop that builds driveshafts on a day to day basis is your best bet .
There are only a couple different series of universal joints that run in domestic trucks

 

Masters--MSME...

 

Sure, go ahead, thanks.

 

Right. From Toyota they are $80 US, aftermarket half that price.

 

Geology

 

I have them factory installed on my 2016 TRD Sport with manual tranny... very early 2016 bought Sept 2015... EVERY time I took my truck in for service at the Taco dealer, even after I made them note PLEASE LUBE MY DRIVE LINE I HAVE 5 ZIRKS... they never did it.

If you install those new u-joints, be sure and grease them before use. They only have packing grease in there from the factory. It's not the same as lube so you have to pump enough new lube in there to purge the packing grease. It's a different color so keep pumping, you will see to color change and then your good.

 

Yea, thanks. I was a Marine tracked vehicle mechanic. Same issue with those on the tractor, and Spicer as well. Toyota Corporate told me they were "lifetime" lubed. BS. That does not exist.

A friend works for the best driveline shop in ABQ. We'll do it there. They are also BBB A+, never a complaint, and we can use their equipment.