2001 Tacoma 3.4L Pre-Runner - Replace the Drive Shaft ???

Truck: 2001 Tacoma 3.4L Pre-Runner
189K miles

I need to replace the rear U joint and the shop I took it into is suggesting I replace the entire drive shaft. There is no damage to the drive shaft and other than the squeaking sound the U joint makes while backing up the drive shaft looks to be in good condition. Meaning there are no visible signs of damage and there are no strange sounds while driving.

What is the typical life span of a drive shaft for a 1st gen?

 

When you say center U-joint, do you mean the double-cardan joint? The double cardan joint looks like 2 u-joints put together.

If thats what you mean, and they said it needs replacing, its typically considered a non-serviceable part and would require a replacement driveshaft.

That being said I've heard that some specialist driveshaft shops can cut one out of a good used driveshaft and weld it into your driveshaft (then balance the whole shaft). If you're just dealing with a general mechanic shop that lacks the expertise to do that, they'll just recommend an entire aftermarket replacement shaft assembly.

 

A correctly serviced (meaning, u-joints re-greased on a regular basis) driveshaft and u-joints can last a long time. And the double cardan joint itself has 3 zerk fittings for greasing. 190K is not a long time.

FWIW, mine is entirely original and in great shape at 267K miles.

 

I need to make a correction. The U joint which needs replacement is the rear U joint. The reason they recommended replacing the entire drive shaft is they felt the previous owner had not greased any of the U-joints ( if ever ) and they think the other U joints will fail around the same time. They did grease everything for me and said it was clear none of the U joints have ever been greased.

What do you think? Replace just the rear U joint or replace the entire drive shaft?

 

I need to make a correction. The U joint which needs replacement is the rear U joint. The reason they recommended replacing the entire drive shaft is they felt the previous owner had not greased any of the U-joints ( if ever ) and they think the other U joints will fail around the same time. They did grease everything for me and said it was clear none of the U joints have ever been greased.

What do you think? Replace just the rear U joint or replace the entire drive shaft?

 

Rear u joint and send it. I'm assuming they're looking at a cheapsie aftermarket driveshaft, and as @Digiratus said, the OEM shaft lasts a very long time. Just get on top of greasing those U-joints starting now

 

How often should I be greasing the U- joints?

 

From a business standpoint and I see it all the time, it’s about profitability and ease of service for them, not the customer. They will make more money being a third party handler, buying a complete aftermarket DS at cost, marking it up, and selling it to you for maybe +50% profit. On the flip side, labor and profit on replacing a single joint is minimum. For those who listen to their business practice (business motto: we see it all the time, they will fail) will fork the extra $$ and buy new but weaker DS due to their ujoint. Majority of Toyota aftermarket DS use 1310 joints, which is smaller and weaker than Toyota or Matsuba u-joints.

Grease it annually and call it good until the following year.

 

Most larger cities have a driveshaft shop and that is all they do is driveshafts, call them and explain, you might have a pleasant surprise. My F150 had a shudder on inital take away, take the DS off and have him put in 2 new Spicer U Joints, $105, I was surprised at how inexpensive it was. Can I put the u joints in, yes, but this DS has to be 6' long and I didnt feel like wrestling with it.

 

Yes, I have already found one locally and that's all they specialize in. Thanks for the confirmation I was on the right path.