Parts for your 1999 Toyota Crown-Driveshafts

1999 Toyota Crown driveshafts — what they do and how to look after them

Based on technical references such as the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for the S170-series Crown and Toyota service manual drivetrain sections for this model range, the 1999 Toyota Crown is built on a longitudinal rear‑wheel‑drive layout, with some grades offering all‑wheel drive. That means it absolutely uses driveshafts: a propeller shaft running from the transmission to the rear differential, plus rear axle half‑shafts (and an additional front prop shaft on AWD variants). So driveshafts are relevant to this vehicle.

On a 1999 Crown, the prop shaft’s job is to deliver torque smoothly from the gearbox to the rear diff. Most Crowns of this era run a two‑piece prop shaft with a centre support bearing and universal joints (U‑joints), designed to handle chassis movement and keep vibrations low. Independent rear suspension models also use CV half‑shafts from the diff to the wheels. AWD “i‑Four” variants add a transfer case and a front prop shaft as well.

Servicing is mostly about inspection and preventative attention. At regular service intervals, it’s wise to:

• Check for play or roughness in U‑joints and the centre support bearing