OFFICIAL 2nd gen 4x4 front differential bearing vibration thread

I had 37k mi on my lift with the vibe and my cv looked perfect. Go back a few pages and see my posts with pics about it. I also have about 2.5" lift. Other then the issue with the seal it was pretty straight forward

 

It could be the diff drop which is causing your problem. The way I understand it, The diff drop angles the diff and the lubricant is no longer able to adequately bathe the gears - wearing the gears and putting undue stress on them. This could explain why you only hear it in 4wd.

 

Thanks to both of y'all! Hopefully I'll be alright!

 

I call bs.. Same argument goes for changing the rear pinon angle (up), aint gonna hurt a dang thing as far as carrier and pinion bearings go....its like a blender in there, its gonna get lubed! ...key being properly filled diffs.

 

It wouldn't be the first time I was wrong. I just know there were a bunch of 2nd gen guys who pulled out their diff drop. I have read many suggestions to not put one in a 2nd gen.

 

I have the diff drop and have no intention of removing it. Anything to help the CV angles is good IMHO. Yeah, shouldn't matter if you rotate the diff, it's still the same amount of oil covering the gears.

 

Differential drops don't do anything on second gens except rotate the differential. Does it help cv angles? Maybe less than an inch no more than that. Does it make it structurally weaker? Yes, just like any spacer type thing whether it be for wheels, lift etc.

Also, many times the transmissions and differentials have not been filled properly by toyota, kind of crazy, but it has happened many times.

 

I respectfully disagree with the emboldened phrase above.

My diff drop spacers are larger than the original contact area of the differential mount, and to simplify, causes no stress riser to be created. The diameter for the bolt/screw is also small enough to prevent an unsupported lateral load.

If the spacer has a smaller contact area, or allows for an unsupported lateral load, then your statement would be correct.

The situation is different on suspension blocks, as a larger torsional moment is created while there is no increase in contact area, or additional lateral support for the U-bolts.

You did manage to confuse me with the statement about the fluid levels.

 

True, but I believe 2 members have had broken differential mounts from using a drop kit while offroad. If they didn't have the kit it probably wouldn't have happened, but that's all speculation and very rare.

The fluid thing is literally certain things are not filled properly right off the lot from Toyota

 

Anyone have a spare tool they can pass on or sell?

 

My 2 cents is since I have installed the Front Elocker I have had Zero Vibration and the benefits of a front locker!

 

Lol at double or triple the cost

 

SAS would fix the problem real good.

 

That too

 

How long does it take to to replace the needle bearing with product? And do you need the install tool?

 

Just installed lift approx. 3 weeks ago. Instantly had the roar from front end of my truck.replaced front wheel bearings which helped but did not eliminate the noise so I got the clamshell bushing from east cost gear supply and installed it....noise is gone. Great big thanks to chase and guys at Ecgs.

 

Oh and I must say that the help I have gotten from this and other threads on here is an awesome resource. Thanks to everyone

 

So I installed my differential drop kit an my tacomas vibration and noise is pretty much gone. I still feel it but just barely AnD only when I try to feel for it... Definitly recommend trying the diff drop to see if it helps.

 

Been there, done that. It'll slowly get worse, so it's a temporary fix.

 

Yup, you are right I spoke too soon... I can feel it getting worse. Still not as bad so I hope it doesn't get worse