CamTom12

I started noticing a cyclic squeak-squeak-squeak when I was backing up that stopped as soon as I pushed the clutch in, even if I was still rolling. I did some driving around with the windows down and noticed it does it when engine braking in 1st gear as well. Basically whenever torque is applied to the driveline in the rearward direction, or opposite direction of accelerating forward.

I crawled under and played around with it and have it pinpointed to my rear U-joint.

I would rather order parts from Marlin since I've had great experiences there but they're out of stock, so I checked TG and saw their crawler joint is cheaper than a stock replacement. (https://www.trail-gear.com/TG/Drivel...ts/p/_908.aspx)

Does anyone have any experience with these? Should I just pay more for a Matsuba?

Also, should I buy new bolts, washers and nuts?

I'm going to buy a grease-gun and hit all the fittings today, but I'm guessing if it's making this much noise I ought to just replace it and all the U-joints on the rear DS while its out. Does anyone have any advice or thoughts on that? I just went out and twisted the shaft and both front and rear joints feel solid, the rear just makes a squeak when I twist the shaft backwards.

rattlewagon

Just go to NAPA (or any quality parts store) and get a quality joint. They should have them in stock.

Only get new hardware if your is damaged or if you lost it. Other wise just re use the ones that came out of it.

CamTom12

Got it on the parts, thanks.

I pumped all the zerk fittings on both driveshafts full of grease and the noise didn't go away so it sounds like I'm definitely going to have to replace them.

I tried to get a video and heard a slight clunk-clunk-clunk noise while coasting backwards too. I need to get a buddy to come drive it so I can try to see it happening.

Video is processing, so it won't be available for about half an hour. I'll post it here when it's up.

CamTom12

Here's the video.

Sound like a U-joint?

Terrys87

iTrader: (1)

It might be on my end but I didnt hear anything from your video. I just get a good quality part from the part store as far a u joints. I have replaced them myself but now I just take the drive shaft to a local shop as they have the press and ability to get them in and out better then I do.

CamTom12

That's probably a good call.

Good news, this morning I drove the 4Runner to the gym and when I got home it sounded awful quiet. So I test it with some abrupt backing up and it appears the squeak is gone. Must've been a dry U-joint. I guess 15 or so miles at 55 worked the grease into the needle bearings a bit.

I'll still replace them at some point for peace of mind but now it's lower on the priority list.