Toyota 4Runner 4.0L Rear Driveshaft 936-775 2003-2009

A clunk from under the 4Runner when you pull away from a light or drop it into drive, a shudder that sets in at highway speed, or a rear U-joint so rusted it barely moves are the usual reasons fourth-generation 4Runner owners shop for a rear driveshaft. This is a complete rear driveshaft assembly for the 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner with the 4.0L V6 (1GR-FE) and 4WD. It replaces Toyota 37110-6A440 and cross-references to aftermarket numbers 936-775 and 65-5003. It arrives as a ready-to-bolt-in assembly: steel tube with a painted finish, dynamically balanced, with the slip section already greased.

What the rear driveshaft does in a 4Runner

On the 2003-2009 4Runner the rear shaft is a one-piece tube that carries torque from the transfer case rear output to the rear differential. A U-joint at each end lets the shaft work through changing angles as the rear axle moves on its links, and a splined slip section lets the shaft change length as the suspension compresses and extends. Each end bolts to a companion flange with bolts and nuts. The whole assembly is balanced at the factory, so a worn joint, a dry slip spline or a lost balance weight shows up as vibration long before anything breaks.

Symptoms of a worn 4Runner rear driveshaft

• A clunk on take-off, when shifting between drive and reverse, or when getting on and off the throttle
• Vibration that builds with road speed and is felt through the floor or seat
• A chirp or squeak that keeps time with the wheels, typical of a dry U-joint
• Rust weeping from the U-joint caps, or a joint that feels notchy when you flex it by hand
• Slop at the slip section when you push the shaft up and down

How to confirm it is the driveshaft

Chock the wheels, set the transfer case in neutral if your truck allows it, and twist the shaft in both directions while watching each U-joint. Any knock or movement between the cross and the caps means the joint is worn. Lift the shaft at the slip section; more than slight movement means worn splines. A clunk can also come from the transmission or the rear differential, so if the shaft is tight, read our clunk into drive or reverse guide and our 4Runner transmission problems guide. For cost comparisons between replacing joints and the whole shaft, see 4Runner driveshaft and slip yoke replacement cost and our U-joint symptoms guide.

Fitment

Listed fitment for this shaft is the 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner with the 4.0L V6 and 4WD, rear position. Toyota's own catalog uses 37110-6A440 on specific 2003-2009 SR5 and Limited builds, including some 4.7L V8 frame codes, but the 4.7L and 2WD trucks are not on the listed fitment for this replacement, and Toyota used other rear shaft numbers on other builds. Before ordering, read the part number on the tag or paint stencil of your old shaft, or measure it flange to flange, and send us your year and VIN if you are unsure. Other driveline parts for these trucks, including a front CV axle pair for 2003-2023 4Runner 4WD, are in the hard parts collection.

Install notes

• Block the wheels, put the transmission in park and set the parking brake, then paint-mark both flanges so you can see how the old shaft came out.
• Remove the bolts and nuts at the rear differential flange and at the transfer case flange. Support the shaft so it does not hang on the slip section.
• Install the new shaft with the slip section at the same end as the original. Toyota catalogs separate flange bolts, nuts and washers, so replace any that are rusted or stretched.
• Torque the flange bolts to factory spec in a criss-cross pattern, then road test from low speed up to highway speed and check for vibration.
• If the truck has been lifted, check driveline angles; a new shaft cannot fix a pinion angle problem.

If testing points at the transmission instead, the A340E/A340F master rebuild kit covers the four-speed through 2004 and the A750E/A750F master kit covers the five-speed. A 2001-2004 solenoid kit is the usual fix when a four-speed sticks in one gear or shifts erratically.

Will this fit a 2007 4Runner with the V8?

The listed fitment is the 4.0L V6 with 4WD only. Toyota does use 37110-6A440 on some 4.7L builds, but match the number on your old shaft or send us your VIN before ordering a V8 truck.

Does it fit a 2WD 4Runner?

2WD trucks are not on the listed fitment. Compare your old shaft's part number and length first.

What part numbers does it replace?

Toyota 37110-6A440, and it cross-references to 936-775 and 65-5003.

Can I just replace the U-joints instead?

Often yes, if the tube, slip section and balance are good. On high-mileage trucks with rusted joints and dry splines, a complete balanced shaft is usually the faster and longer-lasting repair.

Do I need to grease it before installing?

The slip section comes greased. Wipe the transfer case and differential flange faces clean so the shaft seats flat, and check the joints at every service.