Suspension Failure

The OEM bilsteins on my truck didn't even make it to 100k miles on my truck.

Sounds like the carrier bearing and/or u-joints are going out, but to get to the carrier bearing, you'll need to disconnect/remove the driveshaft. If you're replacing 1 u-joint, might as well replace all 3. My carrier bearing and u-joints lasted me nearly 300k. I've been lifted for 270k and driven hard the entire time so it's a bit weird that your carrier bearing and u-joints haven't lasted all that long. It could be environment with water, dirt, sand, contaminants getting into the u-joints. Also, I doubt that the dealership adds grease to the u-joints. I add grease every time I change my oil versus Toyota maintenance recommends, what, every 30k?

 

Center support bearing, had not thought of that, good idea, THANKS!!!

 

The rears might actually be 5160s

 

Shocks wear out? Toyota doesn't make them, they outsource shocks and install them. Is the tacoma falling apart? Did you make this account to complain?

 

Damm 82k on a 2020!

 

My understanding of the bearings for the drive shaft is that they are sealed bearings and cannot be greased, I will check that out when I get it back. The drive shaft will include all the bearings and u-joints for it. THANKS

 

Not a 2020, it's a 2014 and I am not here to complain, just here to learn, and have read some good advice so far!

 

As a side note, I also have a 2001 Suburban 2500 w/8.1 liter, with 230,000 miles on it and just now got the trans. o'hauled which is the first major repair aside brakes, etc. I expected the same or more from my Taco, that is why I'm dismayed over the recent failures.

 

sorry not sure where I saw 2020.

 

comparing a transmission over haul to a shock/bearing failure is apples and oranges lol

 

If you're 2WD, then they are sealed. If you are 4WD the u-joints have grease zerks (5). 3 on the rear and 2 on the front drive shaft.

 

On my 2012 2nd gen, I swapped over to 5100's at about 50K miles. The carrier bearing started wobbling causing a vibration in the driveshaft at about 90K miles. U-joints were fine, though.

 

Hmm, an 8 year old truck with 82,000 miles and you have 1 bad rear shock (not made by Toyota) and driveshaft vibe issue that is well known and documented with relatively easy fix. Curious why you’re “dismayed” about such a simple issue? Especially being a mechanic…

 

Toyota discontinued the serviceable U-Joints a while back. You'll need to get them from Spicer if you want the greasable version.

 

When? As far as I know every second gen 4x4 had greasable U joints.

 

Yes, the trucks come from the factory with them. Replacement parts were superseded long ago and are not serviceable, part number 04371-04031.
I ordered the Spicer U-Joints and rebuilt the driveline on my truck a few weeks ago. One U-Joint was correct, one was packaged incorrectly (wrong part), and the third one did not fit (distance over bearing caps too long).
Needed to make a trip to the dealer for two U-Joints and just like I'd heard, no zerk fittings.

 

Yup warranty extension for the 2nd gen joints replaced with no zerk.

Honestly they are better off.

 

Fair enough but it sounds like his stuff is stock and he never greased them. Probably why they failed no?

He has a 2014 and I have a 2012 and no warranty enhancement on mine.

 

Assuming he has zerk fittings, if they don't get used then yes it would be reasonable to expect the U-Joints to fail fairly early.