Would it be hard for a very amateur learning mechanic to swap out u joints? If so how much is labor for that type of thing

 

Usually just a lot of beating to get them out...

http://personal.utulsa.edu/~nathan-b.../3propelle.pdf

 

This shows you how to modify your driveshaft, but it also shows how to just take it apart too.

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/tech/cvmod/

 

I've had the best results by cutting the old ones off. Pounding them out is a real PITA. I use an angle grinder with a cut-off disc. Just cut the old joint out (4 cuts), pound out what's left of the bearing caps, and install the new one. Takes me about 5 min to remove the old joint and install the new one.

 

Hm I don't have an axle grinder, I might have to take it to my friends.Or just beat it out =D but i heard that can mess up the drive line. Also when I dont have the gas pedal all the way down my car vibrates i think its because of the U-joints how can i find out which is bad?

 

Neither do I. But you can get an angle grinder from harbor freight for about 15-20 bucks. Remove the spark guard, put a 7" cut-off disc on it, and go to town.

 

And when you beat on the driveshaft taking out the old joint, usually people will prop the shaft up wiht a block of wood. Just make sure the wood is resting on the weld at the ends of the tubes. If you prop it up on the tube itself, it can easily dent the tube.

 

So how do i find out which one is bad?

 

Get underneath, hold both parts of the driveshaft on either side of the u-joint and try to twist in opposite directions. If you detect any movement, the joint is bad.

 

If you dotn detect movement, it can also be bad. A tight joint wil do it also. Unbolt it, move it on both axis, should be smoth, no lumps

 

I'm getting ready to try replacing my u-joints to fix some vibrations i get at medium and high speeds, just wanted to thank you guys for the links. the pdf one doesn't work though. i'll document the procedure and post in-case it helps out someone new later on.

To think i brought a toyota so i would never have to work on a vehicle again...good grief

oh i have a 2007 Toyota Tacoma 4 dr extended cap...prettiest vehicle alive