STOP DRIVING THIS TRUCK, PULL OVER AND CALL A TOW TRUCK!!!!
If your front driveshaft fails you WILL be buying a new transmission.

 

Thanks. I have been driving it all over this weekend. I must have had some luck on my side. It started vibrated a little more during acceleration about 4 weeks ago when I had my tires rotated. I just thought it was the alignment. Now the chirping sound and the noise when shifting to drive. What do you suggest? Should I just buy a new front drive shaft?

How difficult would it be to do it myself? I have the repair manual.

Brian

 

Just get your driveshaft rebuilt with greasable u-joints and grease them every oil change. Do not buy a new driveshaft as they come with the non-greasable u-joints and you will be doing this again.

I have never done a rebuild but there is a detailed tutorial out there with pictures and everything.

 

I am looking at replacing the u joints on the drive shaft with the greasable fitting u joints. Looking at the repair manual and through the forum, it doesn't look like it is very difficult. Is there any suggestions or tips?

 

Make sure you get a new centering ball too.

 

So, how often do you grease your drive shaft and have you had your front shaft rebuilt yet?

 

I bought the vehicle with 60,000 miles and haven't greased the drive shaft yet. I haven't had it rebuilt and I am not sure if it was rebuilt prior to purchasing the vehicle. I was looking at replacing the u joints myself and was researching where I should purchase them. I was going to look into advance auto.

 

My truck makes a squeaking noise also (sometimes). Except when i use the brakes it stops, i dont have to worry about any of this do i?

 

No DI's do not have the drive shaft failure problems that DII's do.
DII's do not have grease fitting's on the front drive shaft and with the lack of regular greasing the u-joints just wear out and fail.

It sounds to me like it is your brakes squeaking.
Either check them yourself or have them checked for wear.

 

Do I have to replace the flexible coupling on the rear shaft? Also, there is a greasable fitting on the rear shaft U-Joint. Does this mean that it must have been rebuilt already. I thought all original shafts did not come with greasable fittings. I haven't greased it since I bought the truck 60,000 miles ago, so I might just replace it now that I have the front shaft off.