Two problems related to universal joint have been reported for the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Early 2004 Silverado 3500 diesel. The extension housing between the transmission and the transfer case cracked due to vibration from the drive shaft u-joint failure. Technical bulletins from chev address this as a common problem. They have redesigned the parts but will not stand behind their product to repair any existing problems.
Clunking noise sounding like a u-joint in both reverse and drive from first to second gears. Happens at any speeds. Two repair center/Chevrolet dealers stated this is a common noise and feeling. There was a bulletin from Chevrolet about it and there is not repair. Told that you have to live with the noise.