WUD WUD WUD Vibrations

Since lifting, I've had the following issues:
-small "hopping" feeling around 10mph when accelerating from a stop
-very small audible vibration at 60mph, I think I feel it more from the pedal than anywhere. I don't feel it from the steering wheel.

I'm not really worried about that. However, I've been noticing a stronger vibration lately between 55 - 70, being the strongest at 60 (I don't really drive faster). It sounds like a WUD WUD WUD sound. Again, I don't feel it in the steering wheel. It doesn't feel the same each day - I think it's more pronounced when the vehicle is fully warmed up, but I haven't been driving it lately to know. It goes away when I let off the gas.

Dad thought it was bad wheel bearings or loose lugs, but we tried shaking the tires back and forth and they didn't make any clunking noises - plus there's no issues at the other speeds.

Should I worry?


Truck Details:
3" OME lift
Driveline spacer
stock tires

 

how much of a driveline spacer did you use?

 

It's the OME FK29 that comes in the kit that Wheeler's sells. I can measure once I get home if needed.

 

let me know what size the spacers are.

 

Sorry, I got busy on some other projects.

It looks to be 1/4"

 

No clues?

 

you could try adding an extra 1/4 worth of spacers to make it half inch..see what that does. sounds to me kinda like something is binding.

 

Got any tips where I can pick up some more spacers for testing? I know you make some and there's wheeler's, but both of those options would take longer than a simple trip to the store.

Would it have anything to do with balancing?
I would have tried checking for a bent rim, too, but these are the stock aluminum (aluminum cracks and I'd be having much bigger problems at 60mph!)
I'm going to try checking to see if there's any parts behind the wheel that look odd.
Tires didn't look bubbled anywhere but it's worth another inspection in case I missed it - highly doubt it unless it's on the inner side.

 

could be the way they are balanced.but.....if not....let me know. i'll send you a set of 1/4 inch spacers for you to try out.

 

Took it to the dealer today, and they are pretty baffled. Apparently the tech and the advanced tech came up empty. I'm scheduled to have the master mechanic look at it in 2 weeks when he gets back from vacation

On a separate note, they did the computer reflash while it was there I didn't have a prob with that before, but it's a nice peace of mind.

thanks for the offer, I might take you up on it if this doesn't pan out.

 

I had the same thing happen to me -- it got progressively worse. It turned out the there was a defect in one of the tires and in one spot the outer shell stated to delaminate from the inner carcass. I finally figured it out when it failed. I replaced the tire and the wud wud wud was gone and never came back

I seen it happen one more time on a co-workers car -- it looks like a blister/bubble on the tire. When it first starts out you won't even notice it unless you inspect it closely. As it progresses it becomes more noticeable

 

Yeah that was my first guess. I had them check tires, then balancing. They say they are positive that tires are OK.

 

So I took the truck in today for the master mechanic to look at. He called me back and said he found the issue. Apparently my bearings went out in the rear differential! He said it's a rare occurrence, and they are replacing the whole rear diff under warranty

 

Not too rare.... check out the 05+ Tacoma failed rear end thread on TTORA and you'll see.

 

I think that's slightly different, but I went ahead and asked there anyway.

So, do I have to break in the new rear again as if it was a new vehicle? EDIT: Service shop says no.

 

Right, so I got the truck back Friday. Brand new rear diff.

The invoice says, "excessive clearance in front pinion causing damage to ring gear op #410101 T-1-91 T-2-43=2.4 test drive OK"

While I was there, I noticed that the Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue had their FJC in for the same repairs. Theirs had actually gone in for the issue once before in Utah, but Utah did a shoddy job (didn' put things together well, used slilicon instead of gaskets) and this time it grenaded.

Anyway, I drove my truck from the dealer to the highway and went 4 miles. I noticed that the same issues came back, but were a bit muted.

I drove straight back and dropped the truck off for the weekend. Got a call back today, they say that they noticed the same. They disconnected the rear diff and put it in 4WD (essentially making it a front wheel drive) and said that the vibes go away.

I guess we chalk this up to the lift? I had the driveline spacers since day 1 of the lift.