U-Joint Question on 2003 4WD

Qucik question:

I am having all of the u-joints on my 2003 Tacoma 4WD Double-Cab & from what I can tell it looks like there are a total of six (6), correct? The mechanic replacing them for me is telling me that the Moog 280 is needed for two of them, but from what I can tell on RockAuto it looks like the Moog 285 is used for all of them.

Any suggestions/comments are much appreciated!

 

Search for and read what DirtyPool has to say on the subject. I think you'll find everything you need to know. IIRC, he said the Moogs are junk.

 

Never heard of replacing ALL u-joints at the same time. Why?
I don't consider u-joints a maintenance item, like plugs, filters and belts.
I only replace stuff that's broke.
Avoid Moog stuff

Just my 2 cents.

 

Just do the rear drive shaft joints. The fronts don't get used that much to require change out. You are wasting money unless you can actually see needle bearing s popped out.

 

don't replace them unless theyre literally rusted siezed or physically broken off. just regrease them and carry on. you can go overboard and grease them til the grease pops out of the seals if you want. just remember to drive the truck a bit and put another shot in there.

 

Thank you for all of the replies.

My truck is going on 14 years old so I figured now was a good time as any.

When in reverse there is a loud whine, so I read on here that if you see "splatter" underneath then more then likely the joints need to be replaced.

I am by no means a mechanic, so all of the input is much appreciated!

 

Also, if not Moog, then any suggestions on the brand?

 

toyota

 

The only time I've seen 'splatter' is shortly after greasing the u-joints. The old, dark grease that is pushed out by the new grease, flings out to the underside of the body when driven. When u-joints fail, its usually because they run dry from lack of maintenance.

Toyota (OEM) is the best (as Codeseven as stated), but more expensive.