I have a 1985 4-runner, stock suspension. Driven daily on streets/freeways for work and occasionally off-road/camping/dunes/etc.

My rear driveshaft just started vibrating again(had both rear u-joints replaced less than 1000 miles ago, but the vibration JUST came back). I figured it was crappy replacement joints but i guess i was wrong.

Long story short, removed driveshaft and took to reputable driveshaft shop. He said it would cost 300 to replace the "slip joint"(the part that telescopes) as it is worn and the cause of the vibration. Is this reasonable? Do any other shafts fit the rear of my 85 4 runner? Or should i just cough up the 300 bucks?

 

Pick one up front the junkyard. Any driveshaft from an 84-89 4runner with the same engine and tranny should work

 

for $300 you can get a heavy wall custom length rear drive shaft from Davez offroad performance.... Your drive shaft guy is asking a bit much, as I doubt it would be of the quality from Davez or the strength. I would be looking at junk yards as well. Also check craigslist for 4runners being parted out locally.

 

I got a good rear drive shaft out of an 87 pick up I can send you. $50.00 plus shipping.

They are right, the drive shafts from TG are cheaper than you were quoted to fix yours.

Later

 

Thank you guys SO MUCH for the replies!

Will any truck driveshafts fit directly into my 85 4runner? Or just driveshafts from other 4 runners?

Thanks again for the replies.

 

I will measure the drive shaft on my runner and also the one out of the 87 pickup and let you know. I believe they are the same length and flange, I think the drive shaft out of the 87 may be a heavier duty shaft. I will let you know tomorrow.

 

truck and runner will work: Edit

 

Friend of mine's driveshaft was the same way, the slip spline was worn out. I had 5 or 6 laying around so he found one the same length and swapped them out. Fixed. Compared to a dshaft with a good spline you can really tell the difference visually and in the ride.

:wabbit2:

Hey Dave!

 

This thread makes me want to go check mine out.
Mine vibrates like no other at 60+mph//

 

I measured the drive shaft out of the 87 standard cab, standard bed, 4x4 and the drive shaft out of the 85 4runner this morning. They both measure the same.

I took some pics of the measurements but they did not save on my phone. I'll do it again tomorrow.

The front yoke on the 87 looks to be a little heavier.

I am not doubting Mr. Davez at all. The drive shaft that came out of the 87 could have been the wrong one to start with. Who knows.

You don't want the one out of the 87 though, it is dented pretty good.

Later

 

You may be right, I ran into this a few years ago and found the truck was too long, but I didnt know which truck it was from. The wheel base between the 1st gen 4 runner and 2nd gen pu std cab short bed is the same so the d/s may be the same.