Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
rbattelle
TDR MEMBER
I just thought I'd post this as an FYI.
Regarding those of us who own trucks whose front driveshaft double-cardan unit (transfer case end of the shaft) doesn't have a grease fitting, it's still quite possible to grease the ball assembly in that cardan joint!
I've attached a photo (courtesy pservano) that shows the position of the grease fitting on late-model driveshafts and the rubber boot that surrounds the centering ball between the 2 universal joints.
To grease that center ball, you can simply slip a grease needle under the rubber boot and pump away. That rubber boot isn't tight on the ball at all, so it's easy to pull it away slightly to get the needle in there.
Best way to do this is to remove the shaft from the vehicle so you can fully-flex the cardan joint and provide easy access to the boot. It should also be possible to do it with the driveshaft installed, although access to the end of the boot will be a bit harder.
It's probably a good idea to periodically squirt some grease in there. At 65k mine still had some grease in it from the factory, but now I've freshened it up to ensure long life.
Ryan
Regarding those of us who own trucks whose front driveshaft double-cardan unit (transfer case end of the shaft) doesn't have a grease fitting, it's still quite possible to grease the ball assembly in that cardan joint!
I've attached a photo (courtesy pservano) that shows the position of the grease fitting on late-model driveshafts and the rubber boot that surrounds the centering ball between the 2 universal joints.
To grease that center ball, you can simply slip a grease needle under the rubber boot and pump away. That rubber boot isn't tight on the ball at all, so it's easy to pull it away slightly to get the needle in there.
Best way to do this is to remove the shaft from the vehicle so you can fully-flex the cardan joint and provide easy access to the boot. It should also be possible to do it with the driveshaft installed, although access to the end of the boot will be a bit harder.
It's probably a good idea to periodically squirt some grease in there. At 65k mine still had some grease in it from the factory, but now I've freshened it up to ensure long life.
Ryan
