'03 hilux front 4x4 driveshaft repair

[JAMES399]

The driveshaft between the gearbox and the front diff clunks when my truck is in 4WD. Removed it and all three u-joints are bad. The front 2 u-joints are configured with a CV joint, and my mechanic (and many others) say that the entire front section of the shaft has to be replaced. Because the part cost is outrageous, the total with labor exceeds $1000 US. I replaced the rear u-joint myself, but it still clunks. I refuse to pay that much money and wonder if I should just replace the front u-joints too and see if the clunking stops. I seldom put the truck in 4WD, but when I do I don't want it to bind up and break.
What do you guys think. Is replacing the front u-joints worth a shot ?? For less than $40.00, I think it is.

- JAMES

[niclemaitre]

I have a very similar model Hilux and just (yesterday) replaced all three universal joints fairly cheaply

[niclemaitre]

After a long trip with ~1000km in 4x4, I heard a weird rattle from under the bakkie, when driving. It got considerably worse when engaging 4x4.

I didn't know this but when driving in 2x4 there is sufficient friction in the front hubs/axles/diff that the front prop turns. So when driving, the front prop turned enough that I could hear the failed UJs.

[Thabogrobler]

I would replace the UJ's.