98 Cardan joint issues

Newbie here, just found this site while researching my options...

As obvious, I have a '98 Tacoma, 6 cyl, ext cab. While replacing my rear universal and hanger bearing I found some unwanted wear in my Cardan bearing, even thouth the two universals seem fine... I linked to a thread here about it, but when I went away to register, I lost it.

I realize that I'll probably destroy the two universals getting to the centering bearing, so in essence, I am looking for both u-joints, and the center brg.

Additionally, I have a '92 parts truck, and even though according to Toy, they are different part numbers, are they the same part... ie swappable?

Any help is appreciated.

thanx.

T.

 

This the thread? http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/273119-double-cardan-joint.html
Start at post 7 and 10. Done correctly nothing gets destroyed.
The real question is going to come down to why you think the centering ball is bad. It's an extremely durable part that with minimal attention will outlast the rest of the truck. Read the thread a couple of times and get back to me with any questions, preferably in the linked thread.

As far as the 92 and swapping, there is a chance but you are entering the outer limits of the Toyota parts interchange world. Do not trust any parts house application guides. It will take a caliper and a complete tear down of both DC's to know for sure and it might end up being the front shaft (parts) from the 92 that fit your rear (if the 92 has a DC front shaft, I don't remember). I would not recommend swapping center balls from one DC to another. Just buy a new center ball "kit" with new ball, needle bearings and ball seal and there are 2 of those depending on shaft or "center pin" diameter.