OFFICIAL 2nd gen 4x4 front differential bearing vibration thread

Sweet, I did not notice that but that makes the decision super easy. Ordering the kit from ECGS tonight because my axle is super loose and vibration is getting bad.

 

That is our bushing JT's site, and they are the same price for just the bushing.

 

Yep. ECGS ftw

 

I guess its best to just put lift on and see if I get a vibe. Then go from there?

 

Or just put it on while you already have part of the front end torn down , it's a 50/50 shot.

 

x2

 

I'm going to have to do this bushing sooner rather than later. I am now going to start collecting the parts required. I am pretty sure that with the mileage I have and the way it feels I will need a new cv axle.

So my big question for the people here is what is a good replacement? I know OEM would probably be ideal.

 

A cheapie from vato-zone or advance auto or any number of those kind of shops will "work" . Just don't expect much from them. I purchased one from advance auto awhile back, while it was correct, it was over 1/2" shorter and just cheaply made. You know what to do.

 

^^^^
THIS!

I had the vibe in my 05 AC -- ECGS bushing solved it.

I installed the lift on my 06 DCSB & did not have the vibe but I ended up installing the ECGS bushing when I replaced the LCA bushings -- anticipating the needle bearing would eventually wear.

The bushing has about 15k on it.

 

True, I guess

 

I took a chance and I was one that had to tear it all down again to install the bushing. some guys just live with the vibes for a while but I just couldn't. It drove me nuts knowing what it was and how to fix it. You may be one of the lucky ones who doesn't have to do it right away, but i truly believe that you will have to do it eventually.

 

Is it a given that if you modify the front suspension in any way, you will eventually need to replace the bearing with this bushing? Some sooner than others?

 

I'm just did mine on Saturday. Vibe free. Great quality ECGS! Super fast shipping too.

 

I don't know that I would say a given. Likely maybe. There are a lot of guys and gals who never had to replace or chose not to replace their needle bearing. In my opinion I am glad that I did. It is smoother, no vibes, 4wd engages/disengages quicker with no clunk on disengagement. For me it was a world of difference.

 

Do you have any feeling for the time frame from when you installed the suspension change to feeling the need to replace the bearing?

 

I think it depends on how many miles you have on it already. I lifted my truck with 83k on it and felt it immediately, but I had been feeling it slightly since 20k or so. I've put 1500 on it since and feel that it is something I need to do soon before it causes any other problems. It's been a lot more noticeable in the last week.

 

It really is a crapshoot. I felt mine immediately at 89k miles. Stock until that point. We weren't talking a vibe, but an audible grinding sound you could hear (even if standing on the side of the road). That's how worn it was at stock for 89k miles. Lifting just showed me what had been happening. So lifting may give you the vibe, or it may show that you've had a problem with your needle bearing all along but didn't know it.

Now this was all back in the early days (pre-ECGS solution). One new front diff later, and the vibe returned within 15k miles. Then I installed a new needle bearing and I haven't had a problem since with it lifted. I've got 54k miles on the last needle bearing and still no problems. I figure when this one starts to act up, then I'll take the time to install a bushing now that they're available.

So you could have a needle bearing that works for a long time with a lift and no problems, or you could have problems without a lift. There really is no guarantee either way. The question you have to ask yourself is this: If you lift it and don't install the bushing at that time then have the vibe, is it going to be a big deal for you to take it apart a second time to install the bushing?

 

I'm planning on doing this when I install the suspension on my 2015. Might as well address it while I'm taking things apart anyway. Eventually I'll re-gear and install an arb but for now I'd rather not deal with vibration issues that are easily remedied.

 

Moose did you have to get a new diff because the worn needle bearing trashed the old one?

 

For me it was immediate, I only had 7700 miles on my TACO at the time. I tried everything else, CB drop, rotate CB, 3 degree axle shim, etc. my rear driveshaft is in perfect alignment and still had vibes below 40 that would go away in 4wd. Once I installed the ECGS bushing all vibes were gone.