U joints. Toyota not making any more for our trucks

So I went to the dealer and asked to order the three I joints our drive shafts have and they no longer have any left in stock anywhere and discontinued the part. The parts guy said they seen some driveshafts replaced entirely with a new one. So I’m looking to replace them but don’t know what to buy. Anyone change out u joints on a third gen with after market parts or the replacement factory part that would replace the discontinued part? If so any info would be great. I am changing out the carrier bearing and since I have to remove the drive shaft I figured fuck it and replace the u joints.

 

Your replacing them in a 3rd gen ?? seems a bit premature. Are they bad ??

 

Not a problem...Dana/Spicer. Buy what you need.

 

Nothing wrong with them that I can see. Just doing preventive maintenance. Also, since I’m doing the carrier bearing and have to remove one u joint, you never know what you’ll run into and would rather have the spare parts in case I need them, then have to run around looking for parts with the truck in pieces and having to wait for them to arrive. I over maintain my truck. I wheel it solo even though I shouldn’t so I make sure to replace parts before they break or fully wear out. Is it costly, yes. But knowing my truck is in tip top shape at all times is priceless when on a trail.

 

Carrier bearing lasted till last year on my 2002. Still was working proper, but had dry rotted areas.

I’d just replace the CB and leave the u-joints alone until they break in 20 years.

 

I’ll look at their website when I get home. Was wondering if anyone already has replaced any and have a specific model number to look for.

 

That’s good to hear. The carrier bearing for sure needs to go though. I have about an inch of play when I grab the drive shaft and move it around.

 

Not sure about the 2015 but the 2002 has about 1/4” acceptable play.

And Spicer is a good brand of U-joint.

 

I have checked it before and it was solid. It’s way too loose for my liking. Also going to drop the rear diff to fix the arb locker myself at the same time. So doing it all as a one shot. Going to be fun.

 

Just bought 3 of these. The dealer was asking for 96 a piece for the OEM. But then they saw that the part was discontinued. I will replace any if needed. If not I can keep as spares. Either way it was cheaper to buy all 3 then it was to buy one OEM u joint. Part No. 5-178X