1st Gen Double Cardan Joint Issue

Hey guys I recently had a bad U joint and while replacing it I decided to replace them all on my 01 Tundra 4x4. I took the driveshaft to a shop to have them press out the old joints and I was going to press the new ones in myself. When I got the driveshaft back I noticed that there were NO Needle Bearings in the ball portion of the double cardan joint. When I asked the guy he said that there was nothing in there and that nothin had fallen out. From all the research I was able to do I was unable to find an example of a Tundra double cardan joint just other makes and models such as dodge and ford but also some other Toyotas which all had needle bearings. Did they ever make a truck without needle bearings in them? What are the main concerns if it is assembled without those bearing in there? Did the guy lie to me about them ever being in there?

If anyone has pictures of their double cardan joint apart or a 1sy gen tundra joint in general I would greatly appreciate it for something I could show the guy.

 

The ball (is all) from what I’ve read. Its a special joint from my understanding.

You having fun doing this or wish you had let the shop do it?

 

So you think it's just the ball without any needle bearings? Yes I know it's a special kind of joint. I have not assembled it yet because of my worry that there were no needle bearings in the ball when I had gotten it back. I don't mind pressing the u joints in just want to make sure its correct with those bearings.

 

I’ve never done one before so can’t vouch. I did speak with a Heavy Service Shop (big trucks) that specializes in drive shafts. Guy said there is a special bearing in that spot with a ball. Thats all I know from 2 years ago when curious about this job. My double cardan shaft is still original with no problems. I grease it on the regular.

On the front 4x4 drive shaft I made special grease tip for fitting those particular zerks by grinding/shaving some off the side of the tip.

 

Post up pics man! We can learn from you.

 

This is the joint.

 

Good pics. Never seen that angle. If there were needle bearings, then where would they go?

 

they would go on the inside of the ball like this one

 

Looks like needles in there.

 

Yup, which is why I think the guy I brought it to is just lying to me about no needle bearing being in there.

 

@empty_lord
What say you?

 

Only way to know is buy a new one and check it out.

Was your Drive Shaft working properly before removing?

 

I haven't had mine apart so don't have any first hand experience. But since you're installing all new joints throughout the shaft, wouldn't it make sense to replace this one too?

 

My drive shaft shop (a Spicer dealer) told me that there were no parts available for the double cardan joint. He also told me mine was OK, and so I left it alone.