Transmission or something else?

I've got a '98 4Runner, 3.4, auto, 2 wheel drive, 198k miles. At any speed above about 15 you can feel a vibration, or maybe a shudder. Between 15 and 25 it's *horrible*. What ever it is shakes the transmission so bad that the shifter bounces around. If you lift off the accelerator it stops and rides smooth.

Any ideas?

Thanks,

Matt

 

when was the last time you removed the driveshafts to check the u joints

 

Never. I'm game, though. What do I "check" for?

I shoved around on the drive shaft. I don't know what I'm looking for, the u-joints didn't feel sloppy.

 

I just hailed a neighbor who's better at this than me. The front u-joint is shot to hell. Assuming I can find the part today, is there a write-up on how to change it?

 

just google it. pretty much same process on all truck. im sure theres good vids on youtube too.

 

OP, don't forget to mark the flanges on the driveshaft when you remove it. That way when you re-install it, the driveshaft is still in phase and maintain its balance. Otherwise you may have an induced vibration and create another problem.

 

Toyota u-joints aren't that easy to replace. I recommend you take your DS down to a DS shop, and make sure its done right.

 

Wont hurt to grease 'em up. I go through and grease all mine twice a year, once in the spring, once in the fall. I have to grease my rear drive yolk frequently thanks to Tacoma's awesome axle wrap issue that causes it to thump and clunk all the dang time.

 

Well, I tried to press it out with my vice and with a ball joint press. Neither worked. I took it to a Firestone to have them finish. They say that I've "oblonged" the holes in the yoke. They are sending it to Georgia Drive Line or someplace like that in the morning.

Any sage wisdom at this point?

 

id want to see it first.

 

This is why I have that kind of work done by my local machine shop. I remove the shaft and take it to them to replace the u-joints. Right tool for the job; if I don't have it, or the frequency I'd use it doesn't justify the cost, I take it to someone who has the right tool. Now you know.

Don't get me wrong, I know plenty of people change them with work-around methods, but there's always a chance it'll go wrong with a work-around. Personally, I'm heavy handed, so my odds of screwing it up are increased.

IMHO FWIW

 

I replace them with a sacrificial socket and hammer. Remove both clips, support the yolk and pound out the cap on one side then flip it over and do it the other way. I start with the yolk part first and then the part @ the drive shaft. Install in reverse order, when you get the clips in if the joint feels tight flip it over and lightly tap the cap on the side you did first and it will loosen the joint back up.

 

The drive line shop looked at it and says that it looks fine to them. They are going to replace both u-joints and balance the drive shaft for me. I'm hoping to have it re-installed tonight.

 

Reinstalled this morning. Drives perfectly. Thank you all for the help.