2000 Tundra 4x4 intermittant vibration @ 50-60mph

Searched for a thread on this topic but didnt find anything conclusive. I've got a 2000 Tundra with 275,000 miles, it's well maintained but has an intermittent vibration between 50-60mph. None of the brakes seem to be hanging up, U-joints are ok, tires are nearly new. I'm thinking it might be the carrier bearing in the driveline, the rubber donut is slightly cracked but it is not sloppy or excessively loose. I can drive it 30 miles with no problem, park it and then go 10 miles the next day and it MIGHT happen. The whole truck shakes and I'm wary of going over 60mph, or on a road trip because of this problem. Took it to a shop but they came up at a loss for what is causing it. Any thoughts or experiences with similar problems? ANY help would be appreciated!
Thanks!

 

Check tire pressures, recheck tire balance, if not road force the tires see if that helps.

If none helps I'm leaning toward carrier bearing.

The carrier bearing is a pita to fix. When mine goes on my 2003 I'm going to have a custom made shaft that's one piece.

 

I agree. It could be the carrier bearing if the tires are balanced. Does your drive shaft have a lot of movement in the carrier bearing? It's supposed to have some play but not an excessive amount. If you do need a new carrier bearing switching to a one peace drive shaft is a good choice. I'm looking at getting one made for my 03. With the hight of my lift I would prefer to have a one peace on there.

 

Flat spot on tires??? Does it go away when going faster? Bad ignition coil? Plug? Wires?

 

It is very strange that the vibration happens intermittently at those speeds. Since it happens intermittently, I would assume the issue is not likely to be tire related. However are all of your lug nuts tight (seems like the most likely 'tire scenario').

Since it is an intermittent issue it still could be the brakes, the brakes calipers may be getting stuck every now and then and when you get up to that certain speed it could cause a vibration. Then after applying them a little while or letting them cool, they may retract back in. I would wait until you felt the vibration, drive for a few miles, then pull over and spray some water on the brakes, to see if they are hot from excessive rubbing.

However I think the most likely culprit is something in the driveline. If the carrier bearing is ool loose it could definitely cause the issue you are describing. You mentioned that U-joints have already been checked, that would be another common culprit.

My next thought would be worn suspension components, I would check all of the front-end suspension components for excessive play. Then the rear suspension components as well.

I do know the first gens had issues with the steering rack, perhaps you could check it for excessive play as well.

 

Check drive shaft.

When I had my 2000 Tundra, I had mine replaced from Toyota. I believe there was a tsb report on certain drive shafts. Not a full recall by Toyota. Toyota replaced mine on there own. Granted I had less miles than you.

 

I just replaced the warped brake rotors with slotted and holed rotors and new pads and also replaced the stabilizer bars and no more vibrating at 50+ MPH.