I have had u joints fail on cars, usually preceded by an unbalanced vibration that is on a different frequency than the engine or wheels, It will also change intensity when you back off the accelerator. I have seen some complete failures resulting in the drive shaft dropping into the pavement and tearing up the under-body.
The new sealed ones do last longer in my estimation but if I were to have a mechanic do an under-body inspection at 80,000 miles, I would include the universal check, along with transmission flush, rear end flush, tie rods, breakes etc
pops