I live in NYS too, remember? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> So I am very familiar with excess road salt.

I found the original thread. I had forgotten that my yoke coupling was cracked too. And I recall talking to the tech who worked on my Sportage and he said he had seen several like this. So it's not unique. The prevention obviously is to keep the slip joint greased and free.

http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/showf...&sb=5&o=&fpart=1

1998 Sportage - Gone.
2004 Honda Civic Coupe.
2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara - She got it.