So after searching here and talking to a few people I decided to start looking into a "clicking", or "thud" noise, and a vibration at higher speeds. Most people suggested to take off the front driveshaft and drive it to see if the noise goes away...
Did that. The noise miracuosly disappeared. So while taking it off I noticed that the front most u-joint was a little sloppy from side to side. Went to O'Reilly and got a new one for about $15. Installed the new u-joint, and then reinstalled the driveshaft.
While installing the front most u-joint I noticed that while the play was less it still had play. It almost seems as if the yoke is an 1/8 inch to wide. After driving to test the noise was back along with the vibration.

So I guess my questions are...
1) is the freeplay in the yoke normal or is my yoke bad,
2) anyone know of a shop in the central California area that they would recomend to balance the driveshaft?

 

Stockton Driveline Service, if they're still around.

 

thank you. Just went and talked to them after stopping by wild horses and he said to take it off and he could check the balance.

now it's just getting under there and tearing it out again.

 

What part of Stokton you in? A-1 Transmission is the best place in Stockton for transmissiom work, if you ever need any done.

 

north side. But have people all over the town so taking it somewhere wouldn't be an issue

 

I grew up in Stockton, Lincoln class of 86. It's been about ten years since I've lived there, but I still know the area pretty good.

 

Took the shaft to stockton driveline and it has no problems... However if anyone in the area needs to have anything done with your drivelines I recomend them very much. Cory is great and had no problems helping me out, it is unusal to find great customer service in this town, but they definetly have it there.

Anyway, since the drive line isn't the problem, but the vibrations and noise go away when it is removed where should I look next?

 

What transfercase do you have? Is it full time 4wd?

 

you know that is a good question. I have only had it for a little over a month and did not get an owners manual.

I do know that it is not full time 4wd, and I have a lever that shifts from 2 to 4 high N then 4 low.

 

Probably the NP 231, not as common as the 242 though.

 

How do I find out which one it is?

 

Should be a metal tag on it. Someone should have a picture to help out but I do not sorry.

 

Sounds like I know what I am doing on my lunch break tomorrow.

I am going to guess that finding out what front axle I have would be the same way or do you just count the bolts?

 

Look at the diff cover, if it's a stock cover, it will have a stamp on it. Most likely a Dana 30 though.