4-Bolt 4404 Questions!

[dudemancool1904]

My truck has been making a sound like a wounded sealion. yes it's quite sad. it only happens at very low speed, basically below 5 miles an hour. the car has to be in drive, it doesn't make the noise on neutral. it also seems to be louder when the weather is warmer and drier. i've checked all four wheel bearings, brakes, etc and i've isolated the sound to the middle of the car area between the front diff and transfer case. I believe it's got something to do with the front driveshaft.

i have access to a lift and upon watching a few videos and reading posts, read about the cv joint failing and figured i could replace the driveshaft myself. went onto rock auto and saw that (wait a minute) most options were for mid '97 and up trucks. hmmm what's the difference i think to myself? 6 bolt?

the truck has a May 1996 build date, and upon visual inspection it has a four bolt flange. Womp womp. no CV. i learned mine has the double cardan.

am i correct to assume that all is not lost? i was gonna go to my mechanic on monday but should i just skip the trip and head to the driveline shop in town? am i also correct to assume that the double cardan is rebuildable? anyone care to venture what neighborhood of cost i'd be in?

thanks for your help. and yes help me put this sealion out of its misery.

 

[Josh P]

I rebuilt a double cardan driveshaft in my Jeep for $48 with parts I ordered off Evil Bay, bulk parts in a clear sandwich bag, spicer brand. Harbor freight ball joint C clamp press works great for pushing the U joints in or out. If you are having a shop replace the parts, figure a minimum bill of $300.