Mixed u-joint types on my '02 2WD

The u-joint clips on my 2002 2WD V6 PreRunner are of two different clip types, internal & external. I have a pair of

$37 Spicer 5-1510X U-Joint Kit

Spicer 5-1510X joints on order for the front & rear locations (transmission & differential); however it appears that my double Carden takes a pair of u-joints that have external snap rings and I'm having difficulty finding the appropriate Spicer part...the only thing I've run across that resembles my originals in that location is the 5-1410-1X.

Guess I should be asking if the joints in my double Carden even need replacement? The truck has about 210k miles on it.

 

@Taco critter

 

Driveline pics. Btw that's not a crack in the double carden, just a thread of grease.

 

The U-joints within the double cardan are extremely difficult to replace. I have a link to a thread on another forum that details that out but it's just widely accepted that if the DC is toast, so is the drive shaft.

 

The other thing I'll add, is to only use OEM U-joints. I made the mistake of using Moog the first time I replaced them, and those only lasted a year before they were toast. I tried to replace them OEM joints after that, only to find out that Moog bearing caps were slightly larger than the OEM ones and the OEM caps would easily slide into and spin within the yokes.

 

Thanks Andy. Last time I was under the truck I visually checked and wiggled the hell out of the driveline. No play in the DC joint but a wee bit at both ends, this is why I'm having those joints replaced at a driveline shop (I also have a new center bearing). I do recall reading both on this forum and the 'net in general that if you stay on top of your greasing schedule, the DC should last the life of the vehicle. Also read that Spicer components are used by Toyota as oem parts. No way I would use OTC parts from the local auto shop.

 

I guess it all depends if you have a good driveline shop close by to rebuild the double cardan joint or not.

I am lucky With parts and Labor they are cheaper then me just buying the parts.

 

best way to check the u joints is off the truck. As for the double cardan not all drive shaft shops replace these. Here in Socal I know of 2 shops that will replace those. BTW you have a crack on the double cardan

 

Haha nice try, my DC is fine because I checked it earlier this afternoon.

 

You can't really asses a U-Joint unless the drive shaft is out of the truck. If you have play in the joints while the DS is still in the truck, you should have done something about them a long time ago.

 

The double cardan u-joints will need replacing once they start making noise, or are the source of vibration. Right now, if they're still good, just keep lubricating them regularly.

If you really desire replacing the u-joints in the double cardan, have a look at this thread for the part numbers

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/repairing-my-driveshaft-what-to-know.760703/#post-27117449