U joint question

I'm having a nasty vibration so I'm going to just replace all 3 u joints on my driveshaft. I understand the process pretty well but have never done it on this truck. A few questions:

When i disconnect the shaft from the rear diff and transfer case, are there any seals or anything that need to be replaced, and should i be prepared for gear oil to leak out?

Do i just unbolt the carrier bearing from the frame and take it off with the shaft?

Do new u joints need to be greased?

-Muchos gracias

 

4 x 9/16 or 14mm bolts on each end, 2 maybe 17mm bolts at the carrier bearing. No seals and No oil will come out. Yes get new u-joints and replace all 3, could also replace the carrier if you are so inclined.

$31 Spicer 5-1330-1X U-Joint Kit

https://www.amazon.com/Spicer-5-1330-1X-U-Joint-Kit/dp/B00DOI8BDS

$61 Spicer 5002334 Center Bearing

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GAPFESW/

 

Is there a way to test if the carrier bearing is ok before taking it off the truck?

 

To add to @Sandman614's post.

Yes, you want to grease your new u-joints. They will have some assembly grease in the cups, but once they're installed, add your favorite grease with your trusty grease gun. You should be greasing all 5 u-joints every oil change or at least every other.

I just replaced the u-joints on my Prerunner. The stock Prerunner u-joints don't have grease zerks. The new ones that I installed do, so hopefully I get another 100k+ miles out of them. If you don't have a u-joint press, I suggest picking one up. Some people say they've used a c-clamp and a couple of sockets, but I couldn't get enough leverage to move the u-joints with that setup when I tried.

$50 OMT Heavy Duty Ball Joint Press & U Joint Removal Tool Kit with 4x4 Adapters, for Most 2WD and 4WD Cars and Light Trucks

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N7CO50E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_RNU7AbQEHP3FB This is the one that I purchased, and it worked great.

Doing the carrier bearing while the driveshaft out isn't a bad idea. You'll need a bearing puller to get the yoke and carrier bearing off.

 

I was planning on renting a joint press. I'm wondering if i should just replace all 5 u joints at this point

 

Rock Auto sells a Moog/Precision U joint for $8.70. That price seems stellar, would this one work? Or is the Spicer the way i should go

 

The OEM u-joints are Spicer if I'm not mistaken. I used AC Delco when I replaced mine. Moog typically makes quality products. Just make sure you're buying u-joints with grease zerks. They're available with and without.

 

How often are you in 4wd? The fronts see many less miles, generally not needed at the same time as the rears.

 

Did you see if you're included in this? https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/new-recall-drive-shaft-replacement.523004/

 

Just replaced my carrier bearing and center joint today. All 14 mm bolts. Grease after installation and your good

 

5% of the time, max. But i forgot to grease all my joints for about 20,000 miles so I'm concerned they still might be torched

 

I am. I went to the dealership last week hoping they would find a faulty joint but they gave it back and said i was fine

 

Unless you're in 4wd the front shaft doesnt spin.

 

Moog ain't what they used to be.
Do it right or you'll be doing it again way sooner than you should have to.

 

Spicer

 

I have a press which is great for trail or side of the road joint swaps. At home I tend to use a socket along with a big hammer (and sometimes a vice). I went to have a custom driveshaft made years back and all they use for transport truck joint swaps is socket and big hammer. Been doing it that way ever since. Have done dozens of joints this way.

I get stuck doing the 6” joints w/ 3” cups at work because everyone else tries to be too gentle. Sledgehammer and an hour later they are ready to reinstall. It’s the shock from the hammer that is key.

 

Are you sure about that? I thought I read otherwise on here before. Not arguing, just wanting to know.

Being that I change the diff fluids myself every 40,000 miles or so I would consider changing the front diff every other change if that’s the case, mainly because it’s a bigger PITA than the other two.

 

The driveshaft doesn't spin in 2wd, but the axle stubs and spider gears are spinning like a ground bloom flower in the 4th of July.

 

Ahh, interesting analogy...thanks!