The U-joints, or universal joints, on the transmission rotary shaft of your Toyota pickup are able to bend flexibly to transfer movement between the axle and the wheels. Their name derives from the two u-shaped hinges which couple together at ninety degrees to one another. If you have noticed popping sounds coming from below the cab, it is very likely that at least one of your U-joints needs replacing. The replacement procedure is an extensive one, but you can save a great deal of money by performing it yourself.
Raise the front of the truck with a jack, and let the truck rest on jack stands. Set the truck in neutral, release the parking brake, then climb under the truck near the rear differential and the transfer case, and unbolt the eight bolts which connect the driveshaft to the frame with a ratchet and socket.
Remove the U-joint cap straps with your hands, pull the U-joint and driveshaft from the yoke, and pull the driveshaft away from the transfer case. Be sure to place a drain pan beneath the transfer case to catch any oil.
Remove the U-joint retaining clips by squeezing them with pliers, then pulling them out with the pliers. Place the U-joint press over the U-joint caps, with the U-joint press screw over one of the caps and the open end of the U-joint on the other cap. Then turn the screw with a ratchet and socket until the cap with the open end on it pops from the yoke. Reverse the press so that the open end is now on top of the other cap, and repeat the process. Repeat this process on the new U-joint in order to remove its caps.
Place the new U-joint up to the yoke, then insert the new caps into their holes on the yoke, and lightly tap them with a hammer until they are firmly in place. Install the new retaining clips on top of the caps in their slots on the yoke. Place the grease fitting into the new U-joint, cover it in grease, and realign the yoke and driveshaft. Place the driveshaft into the transfer case, then move the end of the driveshaft into the yoke, while being careful to align the driveshaft splines with the yoke notches.
Reinstall the driveshaft retaining bolts and retaining straps with a racthet and socket, remove the jack stands, lower the truck with the jack, and repeat the previous steps to replace the rear U-joint.
