what is the loud clicking noise coming from the drive shaft.. ish area of

[Dylan A]

my 2000 Chevy Silverado 5.3l 4wd Z71? i started to notice it when i was driving around a parking lot with the radio off, then i got on the road and it would happen while accelerating, then i got home and started investigating and noticed it happed after shifting into drive or reverse and pressing the gas. it will also happen if you grab the tailgate and rock it back and fwd any ideas?
i do not mudd but i do drive on dirt roads for short periods a few times a week, and its liks 20 miles away from 90,000 miles

 

[dick car guy]

usually the rear u joint goes out first on the trucks, the rear one gets all the torque get under the truck and shake the driveshaft and try to rotate it side to side, often times the bearings get dry, turn to powder and you end up with play. Usually the factory u joints do not have a grease nipple so its best to replace it and you are good to go, but do not buy a cheap u joint, if you are going to buy one get a heavy duty high quality one, and if you plan to do four wheelin and you like spinning tires and all that other fun stuff then go ahead and change out the other ones when the time comes, In my experience on a chevy, usually the rear one goes after 100,000 miles, (maybe sooner if you do heavy towing) and the other ones tend to last a while longer.

 

[CLAYTON M]

u joints do you mud

if you do it yourself tools $20.00 clip ring puller also clips it in
forgot grease gun $ 20.00
parts $25.00 each