Drive Shaft Cardin Joint remove

It's Cardan

This is always a hot topic. The fact remains that these joints can and are replaceable and have been for a long time with complete success. Others have horror stories. It's also a fact that parts/labor in a retail setting can get up there fast. A good shop can replace the DC (weld/balance) with an aftermarket assembly just as fast as replacing the individual joints/ball. For me, less than $80 in parts and my labor was a no brainer.

There is no question that there are parts out there with questionable quality, I have first hand experience with some. Just look at the end of the thread I linked. The fellow found a replacement Chinese joint and noted with some enthusiasm it was the exact same thing he was replacing. It was not 100% clear but it sounded as if he was implying it was the same as OE, not. All 4wd 1st gen Tacos used Koyo joints. Basic reading comprehension would deduce that his DC was in fact at least on it's 3rd set of joints. With regular and frequent greasing OE or Matsuba joints should outlast the truck.

The local shop here does rebuild these all day long. They handle tons of Moab carnage and take referrals from three Toyota 4wd specialty/fab shops.

 

I'll add as mentioned above, that a used good condition shaft is a great way to go.
It's true that the two piece shafts are balanced as a unit (together) but replacing just the rear half with no vibes is commonly done as long as the phasing is correct. Every one I know that carries a spare carries just the rear half.

 

This is what I did, make sure everything is dead nuts in phase, I fought that battle for 2yrs. have a used rear section of the shaft after I slightly bent my stock one, it's now in spare duty. Also just take it all to a shop and they will balance it anyway.

Part of it as well is cv shafts are relatively complex so if you just go all in and rip it apart that's where alot of peoples problems come from.

 

I just got a completely new drive shaft two years ago.. Everything’s new! So won’t have to deal with any issues hopefully for another 500k miles. My slip joint and Cardin both were going out. These driveshafts have spicer parts and are replaceable if something happens.
Took 30 minutes to remove and install
From this site
https://www.wholesaleimportparts.com/Toyota_Tacoma_Driveshaft_2002.php