Again for the 2nd time in as many years a U-Joint in my rear driveshaft has gone bad. I yanked it and I'm having it rebuilt again right now and I'm wondering if anyone else has had this problem?

I've never had more than 2.5" of lift, I would think it would only relate to a very slight change in the angle from the transfer case to the rear diff.

 

2.5" of lift will increase the driveshaft angle at the diff, but not that much. I forget the formula I once read on this, but every degree of angle off the center line increases the load on a U-joint and decreases it effective lifespan. That being said, I suspect the problem is in how they are being rebuilt. I'm not saying for sure that they weren't done right, but I have rebuild hundreds of U-joints, and know that if it isn't done correctly, the replacement joint will not last very long.

 

You don't identify the year/model of your Toyota, but Toyota recommends greasing the 3rd and 4th gen U-joints and slip yokes at each oil change. Are you doing this?

Your lift should make it even more important to do this, as it'll worsen the angularity the U-joint has to deal with, generating more stress and heat.

I'd get the best grease in there that's available. I'm currently using a synthetic NGLI 2 with Moly Disulfide made by Valvoline.

Good luck.

 

Tis what i use, Ive noticed a distinct diffrance befor and after i greased all the driveline on my 4runner which hadnt been done in like forever based on the rest of the maintace the truck had gotten previous to me.

much more smooth and quite.

 

Well I have not been doing it myself I was assured where I get my oil changed that they were lubing the zerks on the driveshaft but now I have my doubts. I'm guessing as well since I'm using amsoil on longer intervals if they forget to lube it when I get my oil changed it can be 12-15,000 miles inbetween lubes. That I realize now is way too long.