Level lift ?'s

I have an 08 Tacoma DCSB trd off road, I got the 5100s put on and set to the 2.5 inch lift setting and got it aligned it seems to have a bit of hum or very slight vibration in the steering wheel. Is this a normal issue or is this got to do with the bearings or CV axles?

any thoughts would be helpful, never had issue be for lift.

thanks for your time
David

 

Too many variables. Could be front diff bearing, unbalanced tires. Any certain mph it happens? On deceleration, acceleration?

 

well it has new tires, usually starts around 20 to 30 mph. it is just consistent after that never get worse or better

 

If it's the diff bearing, the test is usually to put it into 4wd (assuming it is 4wd), and if the vibration goes away, that's your issue.

 

ok thanks

 

Any idea what diff bearing it would be? Drive line or one of the carrier bearing?

 

It is typically the needle bearing in the front differential, on the driver's side where the CV axle connects to the diff. It's been a known problem for a while now, mostly affecting trucks with any level of lift. People will typically notice the vibration immediately after lifting.

The fix for this, is to replace the factory needle bearing with the ECGS bushing.

Link to huge thread below:

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...nt-differential-bearing-vibration-thread.html

 

Could be the new tires too, they all feel different. That's why I went step by step...installed front lift, drove it around..everything ok, added rear lift and drove it around, everything ok...got it aligned and its fine and will add new tires in 2 weeks so I can isolate any potential issue

 

new tires are actually a couple months but only maybe 1000 miles on them, never noticed the vibration until I had the level lift and alignment done.

so this is not caused by the alignment shop not getting something torqued right or there fault it is a know issue for the needle bearing

 

I would recommend doing what fitz235 said. If it is the front needle bearing it will go away immediately after putting it in 4wd. Mine started as a slight high frequency hum and turned into a very noticeable vibration 30-40 and 10 to 0 on decelerate. also check your drive shaft angles. you may need a 3deg axle shim or a CB drop/flip. those are harder to isolate but are fairly cheap to buy and easy to install. here is some good info on driveshaft angles.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/out.php?url=http://www.4xshaft.com/driveline101.html

 

thanks for the input on my issue

how hard is it to do the ECGS bushing thing and do I need to do another alignment or anything then

 

The ECGS bushing is not that difficult to do. The removal tool that ECGS sells with the bushing is well worth it and made the removal of the needle bearing a breeze. I did the ECGS bushing and the CMC on both sides the same day. It makes it quite a bit easier with another person there to help. No you do not have to do another alignment afterwards

 

any special tools needed? what is the CMC? and if I understand right you did the bushing on both Sides?

 

CMC is cab mount chop - for fitting large tires. Read the thread linked above to determine how daunting a task it isgoing to be at your mechanical skill level. I'm on the fence about doing it myself or having it done by a mechanic.

Order the parts soon. I'd recommend doing it before the axle gets damaged and you need to buy a $350 axle too. I've been hearing the vibe for about 15K miles, so I'm sure I need a new axle too.

 

No the bushing is only for the drivers side. The special tool for removing the needle bearing made by ECGS is very beneficial and well worth the money in my opinion. A bushing/race driver and slide hammer is also helpful and will make the job much easier.

The CMC removes a section of the forward body mount to make room for larger tires. a stiffener plate is then welded over the section that was cropped out to maintain the integrity of the body mount.

 

I see

 

looks like this,

During


After

 

Maybe redundant info, but just so your clear, you only need to do the driver's side bushing replacement to fix the vibration (assuming you verified that is the issue). It sounds like 2012SilverSport was tackling two projects on the same day.

Here's a link to the ECGS page:

http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-8536125-toyota-8-clamshell-bushing.html

Check out the install videos. See if it's something your comfortable with doing.

Mine is at the dealer now waiting to get the frame swapped. I'm having them do it, along with some other add-ons.

 

cool thanks

 

Sorry if I mislead. Yes the CMC is entirely separate of the ECGS bushing. since I had my front end torn down on the drivers side it made it easier to get a good approach to the cab mount. As was mentioned before in this thread put it in 4wd if the vibes go away it is most likely that you need the ECGS bushing.