U joint brain freeze

Are all the universal joints the same on a '00 Tacoma? 4 wheel drive? Rock Auto makes my brain hurt with some of their listings. Also, any brand recommendations?

 

As far as type goes, get the kind with the inner lock rings. They’re all the same size. I just changed all mine. The ones with outer lock rings go in the double u joint aka CV joint if equipped. But don’t try changing those, ain’t gonna happen. Just grease em if they haven’t failed.

 

Make sure you get a 4WD model.

SKF is best on rock auto. They aren't that expensive so a place like Napa locally will be better if you're concerned about part accuracy.

I have Napa spicer u joints in my truck. Spicer is OEM and a slightly better choice. But SKF is oem for a lot of other products.

To prevent a huge headache of getting the wrong part, I recommend a part store. Buy it from them, and double check the part # online before you start repairs.

 

Never skimp on quality when it comes to U-joints. They are both a PITA to replace and WILL fail at the most inopportune time you can imagine. And seriously, what is $5 or $10 in 100,000 miles?

 

You aren't talking about that double knuckle right behind the carrier bearing are you?

 

Yep

 

Why can't they be changed as well?

 

If you search the forum, you’ll find a thread about how to do it, but it’s very very difficult bc Toyota did not intend it to be easily changed and instead intended the entire double joint be replaced if needed.

 

IIRC the double cardan joint is intended to last the life of the vehicle.

As for the standard universal joints, Spicers are generally considered the premium brand.

 

If those are the current U Joints in the double cardan joint, they look like they are aftermarket, or the cardan has been cut out and replaced already. The OEM u joints have the zerk fitting in the center of the spider rather than out on the caps.

here is an old thread I have bookmarked to remind myself to not try to take the OEM cardan apart:
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/double-cardan-u-joint-teardown-02-tacoma-177712/

You should be able to see the difference in the photos you posted vs the ones in that thread. That thread also does have the part number for a u joint that is supposed to work, but again.. just take that thing to a drive line shop and let them do it.

 

I've done it before but it's a PITA and you need 4 hands and 2 vices lined up.