Truck Repair: Drive shaft, model chevrolet, salvage yard

Question
Last night I was driving to work and my drive shaft disconnected from the rear axle. The truck recently has been shaking after releasing the gas pedal and a couple of days ago, it start jerking when I started off. I drive a 1999 model Chevrolet S-10. I was wondering if you believe that it may just be the U-Joint and if so, approx. how much do you think it will cost to repair.

Thanks,
 CBKimble

Answer
Hello Christopher,
All the symptoms you describe are what you could expect from a U joint going out. there should have been some squeek, squeek, squeek sounds at first, especially on starting out.

If it didn't damage the companion flange on the rear end when it came loose, or the driveshaft, then a U joint is only about $15.00.

If it damaged them, then more.

A salvage yard would be a good place to get a used driveshaft.

Van