1st Gen: Zerk locations on 4x4 driveshafts (8 on regular cab, 9 otherwise))

I will check the entire drive train and look for them on my 2016 4x4 and report back.

 

i recently heard from mechanic that the newish trucks are all sealed, no greasing necessary

 

Will let the group know what I find when I get under there this weekend.

Will take pictures if I remember to take my cell under there.

 

Might be more helpful to post that in the 3rd Gen forum. This article is in the 1st Gen forum so it won’t get much visibility for those who can use it.

 

This is a great reference m. I need to get under my truck and make sure everything gets properly lubed.

What brand(s) of grease are preferred? I saw some one recently name drop Lucas Red ‘n Tacky...

 

I’m using the Lucas Red and Tacky. Works great and is easy-ish to clean up.

 

Yep, that's exactly what you're wanting to do GQ. This is good news that you're picking up on clues to see what has been and hasn't completed. Now keep in mind they may have hit that zerk with grease but wiped the zerk with a rag afterwards, being that zerk sticks out and could be more visible. That zerk you mention is the one used to get grease to the splines of the two drive line halves. That grease for that zerk only is supposed to be an NLGI 2 and moly fortified. The '2' is thicker or more viscous than '1' or '1.5' and holds better there in the splines. Typical symptoms of needing grease there would be a slight clunk feel in driveline when move from brake pedal to accelerate pedal.
But it wouldn't surprise me if they didn't grease it. Glad you're seeing that stuff though

 

good info! much to learn still have i
sounds like you went to the mechanics school!

 

I dunno, man--I might pay $40 just for that thumb release feature that tool has...

 

Bought a nice Lincoln grease gun, a tube of Lucas Red and got to greasing today. It seemed like several of the joints were in dire need of lubricant. Glad I got on that before it gets real crappy out. I finished the service with the addition of rubber zerk caps on each fitting.

 

2016 Tacoma 4x4 one fitting per U joint, very easy access x3 and 1 x 90 degree fitting on the front drive shaft into transfer case. 3 pumps per joint all set to go

Did notice drain plug for transmission too. Thought it had to be sucked out the side access.

 

Hey, you're in the 1st gen section. This thread is about 1st gen trucks only. That means 1995.5 - 2004. I edited the title of the post - maybe that will help you out.

 

So I broke off the zerk in the middle of the carrier bearing...the space was too small to fit the thumb release connector on so I used the traditional connector on that one...I still cant get the zerk fitting out of there...I figure the worst thats gonna happen is grease is gonna fling out of there...anyone else ever have this issue? All the other fittings went perfectly well though

 

i don't recall where i may have seen it but somewhere i saw that there is (or may be) a zerk in the carrier bearing of the 1st Gens. I dont recall seeing one. Anyone know for sure off hand?

 

There wasn't one when I replaced that part a few months ago on my 3.4L 4wd 2001 double cab.

 

Thank you for this thread! This was a huge help. Not sure when the last time mine were done--carfax said "chassis lubricated" about a decade ago. But who knows if they got to all of these.

 

coincidently I just did my Tacoma yesterday. There are many configuration but mine is simply right on the side of the U joint at the diff, trans and 4 wheel conversion point.

 

Can you let me know where you bought your driveshaft and do you have any issues with it? Thanks!

 

No issues, got a front one too because all my zerks disappeared,
Front one has sealed joints,
No grease needed any more
https://www.wholesaleimportparts.com/Toyota_Tacoma_Driveshaft_1997.php

 

Great info and pics @JasonLee ...thanks.
As a regular cab owner I just thought I would chime in on my 2001.

I only have 8 zerks. My front driveshaft is the same as yours with 3.

My rear driveshaft does not have a carrier bearing and therefore the Cardan joint is right at the transmission with 3 zerks. The rear axle has 2 just as yours.
I guess with the short wheelbase the carrier bearing was not needed. 103 inch rear shaft as shown in @1997tacomav6 link above.

Hope this helps the regular cab/standard cab 4x4 owners. 8 zerks total 100%.