TFJ-4runner

First let me say that I have almost zero drive shaft experience so far. I know the tell tell sign the U-joint is bad when you apply throttle and get a thud when you let off. I dont seem to be getting that, but I do believe I have an issue where braking to a stop the rear end settles with a slight thud. It stopped after the lift went on. Apparently it's common but I doubt its something to not worry about.

I'm reading that my zerks may need more grease. I was able to get the majority but the hose broke before my buddy had to leave. So I don't think the slip yoke has any grease. If that's not it then the U-joints must be the problem? Everything seems tight when rotating it. Up and down It hardly moves as well.

I have put roughly 8,000 miles on this since I bought it and no clue about this particular upkeep with the previous owners. I've been trying to figure this noise out for about a month now and it is now worse to where I can. So here's two videos the first has acceleration and the other is idle speed. I want to get it fixed before Saturday when the 35's go on. Let me know what you think ,thanks guys...

2000 4runner 4x4 W/ E-Locker 8 wraps in the rear and 2" BL approximately 160K miles
These are the links I found in reference to this issue.
4Runner Possible Slip Yoke Binding. - YotaTech Forums

4-Runner thump on stopping - YotaTech Forums

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NejCUn8N5zk[/YOUTUBE]

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7yom3ahXuE[/YOUTUBE]

bjlambert

I had to change my driveshaft for the 4WD in my 94 pickup, IFS. It was making the same sound when I'd engage 4WD, like a clunk clunk clunk and scrunching every so often. Are you experiencing any of this? Or is it only when you slow down and speed up? I'd definately suggest changing both U-joints, as it sounds like something is knocking something fierce. Also, if you have any vibration at any speed, your driveshaft may have lost a weight and needs to be rebalanced. The U-joints can be hell if you don't have a lot of experience, just to let you know. Be sure to have someone nearby or at least a walkthrough if you attempt. Good luck!

TFJ-4runner

Nothing with the front with the drive shaft or cv's. It only happens when the rear drive shaft is spinning. Its the worst when accelerating lightly. A wot I almost goes away which I think it due to g force keeping it planted. Not sure though just a theory. There's vibration which I thought were factory tires but there's no way now. I'll be letting some one else handle this one I just need to know what the heck is going on. It sounds like the clunk is coming from the center of the drive shaft.

bjlambert

Does it have a steady bearing splitting the driveshaft? If so, the bearing could be messed up.

TFJ-4runner

I believe it does. Do you know the best way to tell if that's what it is? I feel just the slightest movement when moving the shaft up and down.

Lycanistic

Possibility of spline wear on the slip-yoke, have seen this before too. Does the amount of vibration seem to vary with speed like it comes and goes at particular speeds. Give kinda a resonance to it at say 55, but a gentle humm at say 65-70?

TFJ-4runner

Yes, the noise is way louder based on the load and the speed. I feel vibrations around 60-70 and it varies from there. What all is involved with spline wear?