Driveshaft and lubrication

Hi, 1999 2WD LTD.
1. The transmission end has a slip joint and a U-type joint, while the differential end has just a U-type joint. Does the slip-joint move in and out of the propeller shaft?
2. The owner's manual specifies grease for the spiders, slide yoke, and double cardan joints. There are no zerk fittings anywhere in the drive shaft system. How then is the lubrication done? Is grease packed in when new? Does this have to be replenished periodically?
3. Are there any splines here? There is a comment made by someone that the splines are lubricated by being bathed in the transmission oil. Have you come across this?
Thanks very much!

 

1. = Yes
2. = Greased from new. Only way to replenish is to disassemble or replace.
3. = There are splines on a driveshaft that are lubricated via grease zerk on the circular part of driveshaft.
If any of your U-joints are bad, replace with U-joint with a grease zerk for future service. If the splines (slip yoke) are bad, you will need to get a driveshaft built.
I'm not real familiar with the 2WD version, also you talked about "slip joint" & "splines", are these the same as you see them?

 

@Toy4X4 do the splines have to go back in a specific orientation? The reason I ask is because my splines disconnected during an accident that happened as I was working on replacing the OEM springs with 2890s. Please help

 

I'm not 100% sure. There is such a thing as "phasing" U-joints to eliminate secondary vibrations. On a large vehicle (like a dump truck) "phasing" the driveshaft is pretty important, I would believe the same for a pass. vehicle. The orientation of the U-joints is a parallel, this provides the best balance scenario. If you are having problems with the orientation, look at your other driveshaft to see how U-joints are lined up, or ask a shop that specializes in drive shafts/rebuilding. Check out the driveshaft for any damage. I hope this helps some.