anthony1

iTrader: (1)

I had a noise that sounds like metals scraping. It tuned out that my rear u-joint is frozen on one way. I replaced it with a lifetime one from Autozone. I hope it works well. Anyone have experience with Autozone U-joint?

MudHippy

Kinda sorta. I bought one once. Tried to install it, and it didn't quite fit. I could have made it work with the right size(thicker) snap rings/c-clips. But being thoroughly annoyed at that fact(and another...see below), I removed it and tossed it in the scrap heap. Then went to NAPA and bought one that I already knew would fit. Because I'd used them a couple times prior.



I'll never buy anything but Precision u-joints from now on. OEM are better, but at $55+ each...their not exactly in my price range. I can replace them with Precision u-joints 3 times for that amount of money.

BTW, did you happen to get the greasable type? Have you realized yet that you can't fit a grease gun on the zerk fitting with the u-joint installed. That's what really sealed the deal for me. Autozone u-joints SUCK!!!! I wanna beat the guy who designed them over the head with one...REPEATEDLY. If you catch my drift...

Oh well, good thing it was super-cheap I guess.

anthony1

iTrader: (1)

It was 15 bucks with lifetime warranty. I guess I could've gone with the dealer. ( I know someone in the parts dept.) I also found MarlinCrawler sells the one he got from Japan for 25. I'll see how long this one last.

btw, I paid a mechanic to change it out after I took out of the truck for 25 bucks. I did marked it so it goes back the same way.

1996Tacoma

I have the same problem. Grinding metal on metal noise, vibrations, clink/clunk noise when going in to reverse and taking off.

Is replacing the u joint a difficult job? I will need to do this right away

Cody91

Its a Pain if you don't have a vice or torch but if you do it's cake just did it at work yesterday

yotasavg

I had crazy noises for a while too, new u joints ftw! quiet sailing now, minus my raging exhaust and loud tires....

TNRabbit

I don't understand all the trouble with u-joints; I still have my originals, and have kept them greased regularly, for over 265,000 miles now...

?

snobdds

Same here. I took off the drive shaft this weekend to replace the pinion seal and TC output seal and the U-joints were like new.

monoman

Previous owner of my truck installed (incorrectly) a Trail Master 4" suspension lift years ago and neglected to grease the U-joint fittings. When I bought the truck 2 years ago I noticed the lag and noise of drive into reverse and shifting gears so I replaced mine (nappa) and when i pulled the driveline and to swap them out i discovered that the U-joint had almost completely failed. 2 of the 4 caps were completely ground down to and past the studs under the caps (there were no caps left!!!) so it was kinda like the studs were clunking around the ears of the driveshaft... Crazy! I have seen a lot of failed u-joints in my days but this one was almost unrecognizable as a ujoint, just looked like a ground up chunk of steel.
So.... grease your U-joints and ALL your chassis regularly and they should last the life of your truck. FYI, lifted truck = extra stress and wear on U-joints. I recommend inspecting and greasing them every other oil change, ESPECIALLY with cheap'o brands.