Driveline or Axle Clunking

OK, before you think this is axle wrap, it's not. I have that issue as well, but this is a different sound.

99 3RZ-FE A340E TRD 2WD
255/85 tires, 2" lift

Whenever I am coasting (no power to the wheels in Drive or Neutral) in the 20-50mph range I can hear a clunking sound coming from the rear or driveshaft. Sometimes braking stops the sound, other times it does not. It could occur at higher speeds but it become hard to hear. It sounds very similar to the sound that a lunchbox locker would make as it is ratcheting going around a corner. The sound does not happen all the time, but when it does, it changes with the speed of the vehicle. It sounds like clunk clunk clunk clunk clunk etc.

I had my truck into the dealer to diagnose the sound and they found a "severely worn" driver side rear axle bearing. They also noted that the passenger side had slight play. I had them replace the driver side bearing, but it did not change the sound at all.

I have suspected U joints for a while, but I have never had a chance to pull the shaft to see for sure. I was under the impression that bad U joints would sound more like whirring. I did replace the carrier bearing since it looked worn, but that didn't change much.

Does anyone have any suggestions to check before I take it back to the dealer? I am waiting on a new rear transmission mount since mine is worn. I want to replace this first before taking it back to the dealer since they think it is causing excessive vibration.

 

Does your TRD have an e-locker? Possibly a problem with that ?

 

I'll try to do that this weekend.

No elocker. 4cyl auto TRD didn't get one.