Well, getting a nasty vibration under acceleration. I'm sure it's my u joints. Anybody done them on theirs? How much of a pita are they?

Also, I'm guessing Spicer joints are the way to go but I'm open to suggestions.

Thanks.

 

Welcome to the vibrating 4Runner club! I haven't done mine, but they look super easy.

 

there not too bad to do. just pull the shaft and do both front and back, about an hr or so to it.

 

it's not horrible if you're not in really bad shape. i let mine go to far and the extreme vibration of the drive shaft actually grooved/chipped out the yoke and we had to cut off the joint. It would have easily been a 2 hour job tops if i would've replaced it a few months ago...

I also used napa joints in mine that had a zerk fitting. They all seam to hold up from what i read up on, just make sure it has the zerk fittings because there are cheaper ones that do not come with them.

 

You might want to get it balanced when you do the U's and toss a fresh coat of paint on there too...

If the vibration still occurs, you might want to also check your rear diffs oil level....

 

u joints really arent much of a pita at all, cost <20 a pop, ive done the rear joint in my 2001 and all the joints in my 94... can easily be done with your socket wrench and a bench vise...
but improperly balanced/ aligned tires can cause all sorts of vibration as well...

 

Tires are brand new. Balanced and aligned when I did them. Pulled it apart today, definitely the last u joint, it was in bad shape. Bought all 3 for the rear drive shaft. Pulled all the clips, rented a u joint press from Advance Auto, bent the press and broke the first cap. :banghead:

The drive shaft and the new joints are at my buddy's shop getting pressed out, new ones pressed in. Waiting for the call to go pick it up so I can put the Runner back together.

 

all you need is a bfh and a vise. check your pinion bearing first my .02

 

Update: Got the drive shaft back from my buddy with all 3 joints replaced, night and day difference. Vibration under acceleration is gone and no clunking when shifting out of park.

I love this truck, it's a beast. Should crack 200K miles this summer.

A few pics for you guys:

 

It looks great; one has to love the Imperial Jade color. I wish I had gotten Duras, my Revo 2s just aren't cutting it as well as their previous generation did.

Did you add some aftermarket springs/shocks to it? It looks as if there is a little rake there.

I love those houses; somewhere in the Quaker state perhaps?

 

Good eyes. Yeah, it has OME 906's in the rear with 10mm spacers, stock tall springs with 1/4" spacers up front. Bilsteins at all 4 corners.

I live a few miles outside Philadelphia, most of the houses on my street are 100+ years old. I love the area.

 

I guess changing u joints all depends on what part of the country you live in.

I have had so much grief changing them I will no longer do them anymore.

I found it was cheaper to buy a brand new drive shaft with the time spent trying to get them out the last time.