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Toyota Tacoma 1996-2015: How to Replace Drive Shaft

This article will guide you in replacing the drive shaft on your Toyota Tacoma.

By Bassem Girgis - February 18, 2016

This article applies to the Toyota Tacoma (1996-2015).

The drive shaft on your Toyota Tacoma is designed to take the power from the engine, and send it to the rear differential to get the wheels to turn. It is a shaft going from your transmission to your rear axle. Over time, and with a lot of driving through rough terrains and bumps, your drive shaft could get damaged. When your drive shaft is damaged, you could experience a death wobble with your Toyota Tacoma. You will also experience difficulty to turn, which will all be accompanied by visual wear and tear to the rod itself, or to the joints. If you're ready to replace your drive shaft, read on to learn how to do it yourself and get back on the road.

toyota tacoma driveshaft replacement how to DIY
Figure 1. Drive shaft.
Toyota Tacoma How to Replace Drive Shaft

Materials Needed

  • Jack and jack stands
  • Wrench (14mm)
  • Flat head screwdriver
  • Wheel chocks
  • A help of a friend

Step 1 – Raise the truck

Using your jack, raise the rear of the truck and secure it with jack stands. Check the two front wheels to secure the truck from sliding.

toyota tacoma driveshaft replacement how to DIY
Figure 2. Jacking points.

Step 2 – Remove drive shaft

With the truck in neutral and the wheels chocked, remove the two bolts on the back of the drive shaft, where the U-joint is located. With both your hands, turn the drive shaft to access the two other bolts holding it in place. After removing the two other bolts, you can secure the truck by putting it in park, and setting the parking brakes. Use a wrench to hold the nut, and another to remove the bolts. Note that as soon as the four bolts come loose, your drive shaft could fall off, so ask a friend to secure it for you. When the back of the drive shaft comes loose, simply pull the rod towards the rear of the truck to remove.

  • toyota tacoma driveshaft replacement how to DIY
    Figure 3. Remove drive shaft's bolts.
  • toyota tacoma driveshaft replacement how to DIY
    Figure 4. Remove drive shaft.

Step 3 – Install drive shaft

Align the drive shaft in place by pushing the front end first, then push the rear up. Tighten the four bolts by turning the bolts while holding the nuts with another wrench. You will need to turn the drive shaft to access the other bolts. Remember to deactivate the parking brake and put the transmission in neutral to turn the drive shaft. Lower the truck.

  • toyota tacoma driveshaft replacement how to DIY
    Figure 5. Insert the front of drive shaft first.
  • toyota tacoma driveshaft replacement how to DIY
    Figure 6. Tighten four bolts.

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