Driveshaft help

Ok. Finally tracked down the source of that vibration problem I've been posting about. It appears my driveshaft is 15/1000 out of round. Shop says they typically recommend replacement if it's 3/1000 or more.

There's a local shop that does driveshaft balancing, lengthening, repair etc but the 4x4 shop doesn't recommend it, said they've had problems with them in the past. So they called their usual driveshaft guys out in Utah to see what's up. Of course this shop is Tom Woods. They told the 4x4 shop that they have tried many times to fix this problem on Tacomas and the only surefire solution is to replace it with a one-piece driveshaft. I've read up on this on here and what I've come to see is that it's usually hit or miss, especially Tom Woods. So their "solution" seems to me like they have a hammer (1 piece driveshaft) and everything looks like a nail to them.

So I have 3 options.

1. Take driveshaft to a place that isn't recommended by the (supposedly) best 4x4 shop in the area. ($200)
2. Buy a one-piece driveshaft from Tom Woods. ($650 installed)
3. Buy a new or used 2-piece. ($who knows)

What do you guys think? Am I missing anything? Opinions for one fix or another? Remember this is mostly a mall crawler, not a lot of off-roading going on so I'm mostly looking for driveability.

 

Tom Woods is notably the best in the 4x4 drive shaft world. They do not build 2 piece shafts for so changing to a one piece would be their remedy. It would be stronger and probably give you a better angle and reduce any vibrations. They are pricey but the quality is there. I had them make me a custom shaft for an XJ with Chevy powertrain and an atlas transfer case. Shaft was top notch and fit perfectly. It would be overkill for your situation, but they are quality shafts.

Maybe OE replacement shafts would be your best option with an upgraded carrier bearing. Probably less expensive.

 

I would think OE replacements are going to be more expensive. TW one piece is $500 plus shop's labor at $150.

 

Anyone know a reputable place that isn't a dealership that sells an OEM 2 piece?

 

Yeah, you're probably right depending on where you source it from. Dealer obviously would be expensive. Salvage yard you could be in the same boat or worse. Quick google search... and aftermarket shafts and about the same price as TW. Tom Woods might be your best bet. Most bang for the buck. That would be what I would do.