Greasing U-joints: rear joint on front driveshaft tight fit?

For you guys putting a great gun on the 3rd Gen Taco, any advice on getting grease gun on that zirk(rear u-joint of front shaft)? I have not tried yet but was looking at my new truck today. I don't think I will be able to get a fitting on it w/o removing the black metal shield that protects it. Perhaps a flex hose with fitting ? Any advice appreciated

 

Thanks a bunch. I figured removal was easier. Have you checked your auto-trans fluid using the procedure posted on here involving placing a jumper across terminals #4 and #13 to get ATF light on when in desired temp range? I want to try it but until someone tells me they did it on Gen III, I am scared. Don't want to damage any electronics on brand new truck? Poster has a Gen II and I feel sure should be similar but with warrant concern I feel better with someone saying they did it on Gen 3

 

So placing a jumper across 4 and 13 won't cause a malfunction in your opinion? Is Techstream an OBD compliant plug in monitor?

 

Good, I may need to get one. Just getting familiar with truck-got yesterday. More sophisticated than my '99. I was tracing out the trans cooler and power steering cooler lines today. I noticed the catalytic converter on drivers side has a heat shield around it. The one on the passenger side does not? That one sits a little higher up in frame. Maybe there is less fire risk over grass? Don't think ever seen one w/o heat shield. If it is fire risk makes sense. I have the V6 with tow package

 

I got Barcelona Red Double Cab with std bed, TRD OR. Has the factory Tonneau cover as well. What color do you have?

 

I love the Blue, they use it in the brochure a lot. I went to USC (Gamecocks) and I kind of like the red/black trim. Kind of upset Toyota does not have mud guards yet? Don't know of any that fit for sure. Weather tech claims to have some, call tomorrow. They fit different if you have the over-fenders or not. Mine does. Got any suggestions for mudguards? BTW: next time you look can you tell me if your truck also does not have heat shield around passenger catalytic converter?

 

Ok, I will check out the WeatherTech guards. I don't mind stiff as long as if they hit something it won't bend the sheet metal. I am off road a fair amount. My '99 mudguards have been bent before and I just took them off, bent them straight and reinstalled them. I hunt a lot and own a farm with logging roads. I am already thinking about breaking in the truck off road. Really pretty easy on my trucks but sometime , with all the ground clearance, your rear wheel goes over a stump or down in a hole and you damage a mud guard. Thanks for advice.

 

I have that same shield above the converter that protects passenger compartment. But on the driver's side there is a 2 piece shield that completely encloses the catalytic converter and is bolted together. In other words you can't touch the converter with your hand. I actually drive to dealer tonight and looked at 2 other V6s, same as mine. I bet on your driver's side you have same setup. I am guessing it is because it is closer to ground and the enclosed converter is not able to catch grass on fire.Thanks for looking.

 

Picture of driver's side