Installed 2" lift - now have a vibration/noise

I installed 5100's in front and rear. Front is set at 1.75 using stock springs. Installation went pretty smooth but after my test drive I am feeling and hearing an intermittent vibration and noise. Hard to explain but this vibration happens at different times and speeds. Nothing consistent. I only drove the truck a couple of miles at this point and I have not had it aligned yet. Will getting the alignment done take away this vibration or will I need a diff drop also? I thought that a diff drop was only needed for 3" or more.

 

Does it smooth out if you engage 4WD or change the harmonics of the vibration?

 

Never thought of trying it in 4WD actually. I will give it a try.

 

If it stops in 4 wheel it is the needle bearing. Best way to test is drive it till you feel the vibes and the just switch to 4 wheel. If it instantly goes away. Needle bearing.
I'd bet you it is the bearing. Very common. Search this site and you will see.

 

Truck only has 1200 miles on it. Could the needle bearing be bad already?

 

Its not "bad". The increased angle of the LF CV axles causes a vibration. My truck does the same thing. I'll be swapping to a bushing during next oil change.

 

The bearing isn't bad/broken it's just a poor design and is magnified by the lift. Lifted mine at 1.75 and vibration/pulsing started at mild speeds. Had the TSB done with the new style bearing and no more vibration... But... Poor alignment will also cause vibration. Also mine is a 2015

 

Can you explain this more in detail? I've never heard of bushing swap.

 

easily searchable on the these forums. Especially under 2nd gen

 

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

 

Toyota does have a TSB out for this. I know a lot of people perfect the bushing swap but if the truck is still under warranty I suggest the TSB new style bearing since it is free. I had it done 5000 miles ago and no vibration. https://www.tacomaworld.com/attachments/t-sb-0026-15-pdf.781453/

 

Just try the 4x4 test first and go from there before asking about anything else.

 

^yeAh what he said. Also get your truck aligned.

 

we are talking about 16's, that TSB applies to 2nd gens. Also when you do a lift, you are voiding any sort of warranty related to parts you're affecting. I have no problem changing to a bushing. Got to pay to play as they say.

 

So what's the verdict?

 

the 2015 & 2016 have basically the same 4x4 drivetrain so I'm sure the TSB will make its way into the 16s... Plus this could not be the cause of his vibration. There are my possibilities . Also a small lift 2.5" or below will not void the warranty since Toyota offers the exact same thing through TRD. I have 2" in the front and 1" in the back and my dealership said there was no issue with my warranty. They actually sell lifted Tacomas new. There might be some resistance about who put the lift on but for drive train issue it shouldn't be a problem.

 

The TSB was issued prior to production beginning on the 2016's, so I'd be surprised if it doesn't have whatever fix is listed here. You never know though.

 

So more insights. I have a 2016 Limited Dbl Cab and after installing a Revtek lift the harmonic hum came in as in the prior models. The 2016 has the upgrade needle bearings in it for sure and it has the same issue. It's pure angle issues. We are talking to Toyota about possible options as we are getting feedback with other 2016 that have the same issue without the lift. We were not aware of the bushing info on this string so we will pass to Toyota as a possible fix we will see. I will post up additional info. ( I work at a Toyota Dealership FYI)

 

Try a diff drop.

 

Noise and vibration goes away when in 4WD.