Differentials Required?

Hi guys,

I'm getting mixed answers from a few shops around my area. One is suggesting that I get the differential drop done and another one is telling me that I don't need it. Not really sure who to trust cause both are reputable shops I've taken my past trucks to. My setup is going to be 5100s up front with 888 OME coils. Should give me anywhere from 2.75 to 3 inches of lift. I know some on here have said they have had zero issues without installing the drop kit but wanted extra input for a better piece of mind. Any input is appreciated.

 

From what I understand from 2nd gen tacomas the differential drop kit actually rotates the diff in a way that reduces the amount of oil that lubricates the gears. Most on here advise against the diff drop kit. It could be different for 3rd gens, but with the amount of similarities between the two I'd assume it's the same way.

 

I was wondering something similar and reached out to Toytec (mine will only be around 1.5-2" of lift)

I was told that for my application, its not necessary by any means, but when you do have a full 3 inch lift it helps. If you are only doing a 1.5 inch lift its not really necessary as you are not putting that much of an angle on the CV's. It most definitely will not hurt anything to put them in with the kit. It only actually angles the diff down one inch to help with the angles.

 

A 1" front diff drop will only lower the diff at the CV 1/2". When installing lifts the over reason is stick bigger tires to get more ground clearance. Dropping the diff loses ground clearance and exposes the diff to get damage fairly easy. Which is cheaper to replace... a front diff or CV's?

 

From my research a dif drop is only needed for 3" or over. If you are at 3" you are on the edge.

 

There are several schools of thought on a diff drop. The main reason to do a diff drop is that at lifts above 2" your driveline angles for the CV shafts are not just high, but severely high when the front end gets flexed, causing binding, and shaft shear or joint grenade. Also the higher angle will increase the chance of vibration. While the purpose of lifts is to allow for larger tires, simple diff clearance is not majorly sacrificed by a diff drop. Even with a diff drop you are not exposing the housing to anything not already protected by the skid plate. So doing a diff drop would allow a decrease in strain for the CV shafts. While many kits and kit companies will say it is not required, that does NOT mean it isn't a good idea. Driveline angles are very important, especially on a daily driver. You don't want major angles that would allow vibration into your chassis.

 

I'd be more worried about the driver CV bushing at 3" of front lift.

 

Diff. Drop takes 30 min to install. Go without it, if it vibes, install it later.

 

From everyone I've talked to about this, if you base it off the 2nd gen idea, yes you do.
But many have done lifts of 3inches on the 3rd gen and the CV angles are still fine. Not really much of a need for one.

besides if you do, its not hard to do.
install the lift, check your CV angles.
If you think you need it, install one.
you need 3 different sockets, 2 socket wrenches, a floor jack and thats about it.

 

Thanks for the responses. I'm gonna end up not doing it and see how it goes from there.

 

4 wheel drive? Do you wheel it or are you lifting for looks?

 

Yes 4WD and both. It's also my everyday driver...for now.

 

I wouldn't do it for a 2.5" lift or so. Make sure you get upper arms with a uniball and if you upsize tires you are prepared to cut a lot and hope your wheel backspacing is appropriate.

 

Thanks man. Hoping for the best. Lift should get new right at 2.75 in the front. I'm also putting the LR UCAs in as well. With all the stories I see on 285s, I'm prepared to have some chopping done.

 

Don't leave without a cab mount chop and make sure your tire selection fits on factory wheels if you're not buying new wheels at the same time.