2007 Tacoma PreRunner Driveshaft Issues

Okay, I bought a 07 Tacoma PreRunner, 5 speed, 105k miles 2 weeks ago for $5k. I got a great deal on the truck from friend and with it came every single service record from the time it rolled off the dealer lot. Only having the truck 2 weeks I was not sure if the vibration I was experiencing was normal or not and had planned on having a friend look at it this weekend. Well Saturday morning on my way to work there was a pop so intense it blew my 32oz drink out of the drink holder like a rocket. My driveshaft had separated at the U joint. Not just 3 weeks ago the truck had been to Toyota for the leaf spring recall and at that time my friend had them look at it to ensure everything was good with the truck as the were about to sell it and Toyota gave the all clear. Now i have been reading a lot about the Dana driveshafts and the problems that Toyota and other manufactures have been experiencing. My truck is 2wd, and standard transmission. I feel as though this is a manufacturer issue although no recall has been issued only a service bulletin which means with out a recall I am responsible for the repair. Does anyone else know anything about this problem? Anyone else experienced this and if so what did you do about it? I am a huge believer in these forums and find them to be the most useful tool to learn more about my vehicle. Input anyone?

 

The zerks were neglected when the truck was being serviced. U-joints fail, its common. Just get it replaced, and every oil change you should grease the drive shaft zerks as well to keep them lasting longer.

 

Call Mr Toyoda, he'll get right on it. I'm sorry but on a 10 year old truck things are going to fail. No lifetime warranty.

 

prerunner. Likely no zerks. Most prerunners don't have servicable driveshaft.
If the shaft is ok, you can replace ujoints for <$20 each with your choice of sealed or greasable joints. I'd do all of them while you're there.

 

I too have an 07 that vibrated bad. Reading the owners manual it does tell you to replace the U-joints (I don't remember the miles) but I too did not.
I spent a little over $1000 for the new drive shaft and new U-joints. Good lesson.

Sure does look nice underneath with the new springs and new black drive shaft though!

 

It's a 10-year-old used truck issue--and just means that the good deal you got ($5k for an '07 Prerunner is a good deal), has turned out to be not so good a deal...