Hi guys, this is my first post, I just couldn't find any answers anywhere else. Okay so the deal is, I have a 1988 Toyota pickup base 22re 4x4. My problem is complex to me, however it may be simple to you guys. Basically I have a very violent rear end shake. While I'm driving, everything is fine, as soon as I put it in neutral it starts rattling and shaking regardless of whether I'm applying the brakes or not. I already know for sure that the problem is not the tires, rims, u-joint or brakes. As I slow down to 25 and below the shaking seems to be a little more violent until it eventually stops when the truck stops. Now I know the differential has been leaking a while so I'm sure the oil level is very low. On the rear left wheel the brakes and everything were covered in grease of some sorts. I determined it wasn't brake fluid so it could be an axle seal of some sort leaking oil. I put it up on Jacks and the tires spun nice and even no out of roundness whatsoever. It's not lifted. Tires are 32x11.5x15. Besides that everything is stock. I appreciate any info that could help.

 

I would double check your u-joints. I had one that gave me a terrible time and it was nice and tight. I replaced the differential thinking it was at fualt but later turned out to be a u-joint I had replaced 6 months earlier.

But you mentioned that you have a leak and could be dry on oil. To pull the axle out on these is really easy. 4 bolts on the backing plate, brake line, and the cable for the parking brake and see if there is any visible signs. With the axles out, you could then pull the differential and look at it.

 

Is there a carrier bearing on the drive shaft of those trucks?