1 Piece Driveshaft 2nd Gen 2WD 5' bed Prerunner (does is exist?)

I am looking to eliminate the u-joints and vibrations that come with the 2 piece driveshaft of my 2nd gen Prerunner. I have heard some people on random forums here and there say they have had a custom 1 piece drive shaft made for a 2wd double cab pre-runner. I understand there may not be off-the-shelf options for this as it is a very long driveshaft to have as 1 single piece. I have heard some people specifically mention a shop in Virginia that has done this, any info that would point me in the right direction or if someone knows of an off-the-shelf one I can buy online would be appreciated, thank you!

 

No off the shelf ones available. Take it to a local drivetrain shop and they can take care of you.

 

I bring mine to one in NJ called RPC driveline they made me a one piece double cardan driveshaft 10+ years ago and it’s been going strong.

 

@6 gearT444E thanks! I had noticed I had an old thread about this and you mentioned "Get one from a 4runner and have it extended." What is involved in extending one? What year 4runner? I noticed the generations of 4 runners don't match up with the Taco gens, would I need a 4th gen 4runner (2003-2009)? From a 2wd? Some more info would help me in discussing this with the local shop so they don't rake me over the coals with my wallet! I am not well versed in driveshafts as you can tell... also what else might they offer to do when you say they will take care of so I also know what to ask for if they are unsure? Thanks!

 

Best bet would be to find a local driveline shop. I don't see your location listed, but TW has region specific threads were you might get a better answer for a specific local shop.

 

I will contact them as well to see what my options are. Do they use any piece of your OEM 2 piece or is it something they could make for me that I could pick up and install myself, or come and have them install it? Do they need to see my truck and do any measurements before they can make one?

I am within 3 hours of that shop.

 

I just found a Virginia thread and asked in there, thanks!

 

They used just about every part over. I had to drill the flange out in the rear because it was a new pattern. But other than that it’s all oem spicer parts which is what Toyota uses from the factory.

As far as 2wd I’m not sure what trucks have a double cardan from the factory. You could check a few junkyards out and look around. I’m not sure of the spline count on the 2nd gens trucks to give you an honest answer so you’d have to double check this before investing any money into it.

 

JDS enterprises in VA made one for me, love it

 

This ^

 

How much was it, if you don't mind me asking?

 

$450, which was what another shop quoted me to replace the carrier bearing, a U joint, and the transmission output shaft seal. So I figured I’d rather do the $15 seal myself and get a fancy custom 1 piece to get rid of the need for a carrier bearing (2nd on in a year I’ve gone through)

 

@brian92s do you mind taking/posting a photo of your 1pc DS?

 

Sure, here’s the old next to the new, I’d have to take one later tonight if you meant while it’s on the truck:

 

Yes please! A single pcs DS is what I'm looking for too. A photo on the truck please.
Also do you have the specs for it? Eg, length, diameter, material, etc..

 

I'd be interested to see how it looks and drives on your truck as well.