2013 DCSB TRD OR - Rebuild or Replace Rear Drive Shaft?

Having issues finding good existing threads on this but I'm sure they already exist, feel free to link!

I'm pretty sure I'm in for a carrier Bearing and replacing all the U-Joints while I'm at it. See the video below and let me know if you agree!

https://youtube.com/shorts/5C0iHow4hJw?si=saDtNYZy0l1K8Cc0

Debating weather or not to rebuilt or buy new to save time and just buy new. Anyone have a specific brand/product they'd recommend for either rebuilding or buying new?

Thanks!

 

Not seeing anything too bothersome with that bearing. They definitely, normally, have more play than you might expect. Why do you think it's bad? Got strange vibes?

 

You think that much movement is normal? Admittedly, I have almost no idea what to look for here. To me, hardly any movement at all would seem problematic

And yes, overall this truck is just noisy going down the highway. I'm trying to pin down the noises before a large road trip this weekend. I get a weird whirling/humming noise around 35-55 and I’m thinking it could be driveshaft related. I do have the LT BFG K02’s (LT265/75R16) that are definitely heavy and noisy… seems like there isn’t much I can do about the tires

 

No movement at all would transfer all the vibrations into the cab.
They are supposed to have some movement. That’s why there’s a rubber bushing.
Your’s looks “ok”. It’s worn a bit, but doesn’t look too bad.

As for the u-joints. I can’t tell you.
Replacing the whole driveshaft is going to be much more expensive.

 

The amount of movement looks about normal. That the rubber bits look perfect which makes me think it is fine. As for road noise, these trucks are known for it. That and their "unrefined" ride quality. Could well be the big tires. Give your u-joints a quick check. Put a heavy screwdriver in the u-joint area and crank on it. There should be no free play in the joint. 35-55 is a big range for something out of balance. Resonances are typically more in 5-10mph band or so.

 

Rebuild it

 

pretty easy to do, paint a line down the shaft before you do anything

The Cheap HF tool works nice taking them out

 

Thanks for the input you guys. I'll plan to buy 3 u-joints and a carrier bearing now (as I'm ording a bunch of other shit) and plan to re-build the axle when I get some free-time in the next couple months... Or when it actually starts causing problems haha

Thanks for reviewing, this makes me feel better about driving it as is for a while

Sounds perfect to me! haha I'm definitely a HF kinda guy

Thanks for your input!

 

might not need to rebuild axle any time soon, almost 300k on mine and no issues yet

 

To add some detail to the situation, When greasing the U-joints the other week (first time in my ownership, bought it 2-3 months ago) it appeared as though it had potentially never been done before in the vehicles 154k life miles

Also after focusing in on the rythmic humming noise it is really only happening at 35-40MPH

I just put the ECGS bushing in so no not a needle bearing issue. Might try to have discount tire re-balance my tires

 

only ten bolts to pull drive shaft/bearing and then go for a drive in 4wd and see if vibes are present

 

Im guessing its the tires....humming is the key word I am refering to.