Drive Shaft Blew Up!

Did you lengthen your shocks? If you're running stock length shocks then you're closer to the maximum extension of the slip yoke, but still won't go beyond it. If the shocks are longer, then you definitely must put in an extension to avoid over extending the slip yoke.

Remember - an extension works both ways: at full compression, the slip yoke must now compress by the extra amount of the extension.

 

My Credentials: I'm a parts/service manager at our family business. I work with agricultural equipment that uses drivelines similar to the ones used in auto industry. I've serviced them, replaced them, and seen them explode as well.

My Diagnosis: 150k miles on a sealed, non-greaseable cross & bearing that is part of a yoke/cross/bearing u-joint. The increased angle that the u-joint is required to operate at following a "lift" will put major extra stress on that assembly. If you put a driver behind the wheel that is prone to "gassing it to pass people" or is rough on the truck otherwise, this even further increases the stress put on this assembly. This driveline is probalby original to the truck, and has worked hard for 150k miles.

Method of Intervention: Find a local shop that can balance drivelines. Have them determine if the existing parts are reusable. If reusable, purchase the needed replacement parts (cross/bearings, yokes), and have them install/balance the driveline. While this is happening, make SURE there has been no damage to the bearings on both the trans & rear diff (?). Hint: See if the driveline shop can cross-reference parts to save you some money over OEM parts. Also, install the necessary spacers to prevent the extreme angle created by the "lift."

 

Yeah, I threw in some 10" travel 5100s, and a CB drop. At full droop during installation, I didn't notice how far the yoke pulled out (this my first lift job so I didn't know to look at it). I think I'll jack it up with a hilift some time this weekend to see how much further it comes out at full droop, if any. I'm still going to take it to a driveline specialist for a little sanity.

 

got the truck runnin and replaced 2/4 yokes and haven't had time to really work on it xD

 

Nice, good to hear! So what was your final solution?

 

I installed some 3* shims and a cb drop last night. The vibes are gone!!! Except for a very slight take of shudder. My yoke looks to still be too far from the tranny though, but no splines show.

Anyone know how long the yoke and splines on the drive train is?

 

I don't have a pre-runner so I don't know for sure, but I have read in other thread they are pretty long so it shouldn't be a big deal for you.

 

Thanks! Now time to find that thread

 

i just ordered the cb drop from toytec kit. the only thing i did was new u-joints and got the shop to put 2 and 2 together but i got the cb drop today hopefully get it installed next weekend and hopefully will prevent further damage as well as bringing back the old pep in my babys step. lift slowed it a bit but hopefully this will help bring back the speed as well as the fuel econ since i've been getting about 15-16 and thats feathering the throttle

 

I doubt dropping the CB will affect power and mpgs

 

The carrier bearing drop won't gain back lost power or fuel economy. The lift itself is what lost you that. By raising the vehicle higher in the air it has to "punch" through a larger area of air, meaning more drag coefficient of friction. If you want the mpg and power back, you'll have to remove the lift.

 

Well new dilemma I have the spacers for the cb installed that I got from toytec but not the front drive shaft (connected to the tranny) looks to be at a even worse angle. Did I just make it worse?! Will load pic once I upload it to my computer

 

yeah i understand that but i was hoping with the drive shaft running smoother the engine wouldnt have to work as hard therefore using less fuel and accelerating from 0 quicker

 

WOW! This is my first Toyota, and I'm starting to wonder if it might be my last! I could just imagine what would happenif you were doing 70 or 80 with a tractor trailer on your ass, and the driveline snaps! WTF!!!??!! So much for Toyota quality!!!

 

If you're doing 70-80, and semi shouldn't be on your ass lol. but yeah pretty shitty of toyota to put in a ujoint that will fail around 100k..

 

Wait... Sorry of you've mentioned earlier in the thread.. (Kinda didnt want to go back and read)... But how much, if any, is the rear lifted?

 

155k miles on u-joints that havent been greased i doubt wouldve lasted as long on any other truck. my taco has been threw some shit and god knows what the owner before me did.

 

i have the toytec adjustable 5100's and i think its 2" in the back and 3" in the front?

 

starting to think the cb drop is only needed on the 4x4 models and maybe my u-joints were just bad. either that or im just getting super paranoid after what happened lol

 

lol trollin like a BAUS