[jrjarrett76]

Thanks for your replies... I am getting the loud whirrr and grrrs when UNDER POWER. From all I know and all I've read here those symptoms usually point to needing new U-Joints. I plan on replacing them all and having the DSs balanced at the same time. I don't have the play in the DSs that I expected but the U-joints do look pretty 'buggered up'.

My plan before going to Toyota was to replace U-joints, change all dif fluids, and then begin diagnosising any issues that come up. I think I can still stick to that I may have a few more days on jack stands than I had hoped. I got under the truck and yanked and pulled at the DS and there just isn't any noticable play in there on either side. The flange looks clean and sturdy and I don't have the oil splash on the passenger side. I've driven the truck for 1K miles and I'm sure even if the previous owner had cleaned it up I would have something by now.

The guy drove the truck for maybe 10 minutes and came back with the "PINION SHAFT IS LOOSE!" comment. Is there something that I'm missing when I drive the truck that would point me in that direction? I attached photos of the DS / Flange as well as a closeup of the U-Joint.

I'm still thinking I want to see whats going on in there and take it apart. The FSM notes some special tools that appear to be gear pullers. Are there any tools recommend for the rebuild?

Thanks again

Thoughts?