3-second answer: A clunk when engaging gear or shifting, or a squeak at low speed = worn u-joints (or slip yoke). Check: chock the wheels, crawl under, grab the driveshaft and twist — any clunk/play = the joint. Replacement: driveshaft out (8 bolts at the diff, 4 at the trans), press the old caps out, install the new joint with the zerk fitting facing the right way.
The symptoms
- Clunk on takeoff / shift / throttle lift
- Vibration at highway speed that feels like tires
- Squeak or creak at parking-lot speed
- The classic: clunk when shifting into R or D — check u-joints AND the slip yoke (the slip yoke grease point)
The swap
- Mark the driveshaft orientation (the balance matters — photo the bolts).
- Support + unbolt at the rear diff, slide the front out of the trans/TC (or unbolt at the TC on 4x4).
- Press the caps out (a socket + vise or a cheap ball-joint press), clean the yoke.
- New joint in with fresh grease (zerk facing the shaft, caps seated flush).
- Reinstall, torque the strap bolts, grease the new joint + slip yoke.
Which joints
- 2WD: front joint at the trans + rear at the diff (2).
- 4WD: 3 joints (front shaft has 2 + the rear has 1).
- $20-30 each, lifetime-greaseable or sealed — get greaseable if you off-road.
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Threads
- FTE search: u-joint · driveshaft · clunk