ECGS Bushing - Is it a must?

Just lifted my Tacoma but I’ve been reading that the ECGS bushing part needs to be changed in the Tacoma is lifted? I only lifted it 1” all around, nothing crazy just wanted to give it a little more of a look. I’ve been driving it for a week now and no complaints of anything, feels normal. Do I need to invest in replacing that bushing it is the 1” fine and doesn’t warrant the change of part? Any insight is appreciated!
Thanks!

 

No need if there's no issue. I changed out for the bushing on a 2017 with 1086 miles on the clock. When I pulled the bearing, there was a needle already missing from it. You can see in the pic the top needle. Thankfully I found it just on the inside of the seal, it was broken in half.

 

Why would you change something if your not having any issues?? You should be fine but at some point if you start getting vibes then ya instal them. Don’t listen to everything you read on here and get paralysis by analysis or however that saying goes.

 

Thanks dudes! I’ve just been overly paranoid that I’m going to break something in my near brand new truck and have to pay for repairs. It’s been driving smooth and I’d say better than stock at this point. Maybe I will plan on it after I pass my 50k warranty landmark. The insight is highly appreciated!

 

I just did the install last weekend and it made the world of difference. However, the vibes in my truck started almost instantly after lift. Ride it until you feel it and then install the bushing. Just don’t go too long on the needle bearing once you start to feel the vibes through the floor.

 

If anyone on here is planning on swapping one out, can they take measurements before the install? Getting an oilite from a machine shop might be cheaper than online.

 

How difficult is the install? Might look into it to avoid any potential damage honestly.

 

It is fairly easy. The hardest part is getting the tool on the needle bearing to remove it and making sure all of the needle bearing comes out of the diff. Past that it’s just a simple take it apart and put it back together.

 

Roger. Did you feel anything in the rear? When driving in certain roads it gets kind of bouncy. Almost feels like unbalanced tires or knobbed. It is only on certain roads too, in the freeway it rides smooth. I do have a 1” on stock leafs though.

 

I am only at about 1.5” of lift in the rear. Have not gotten any vibes back there yet.

 

Hypothetically speaking, what would occur if the bearing is not replaced? I imagine a lot of people lift their trucks and never notice it and drive that thing like everything is working fine.

 

I'd rather change it out now than deal with it later on...it's a flawed design and toyota knows as there is a TSB on it and they just throw it back in (small redesign but it's still has needles) Also to add it will destroy a lot of other components if left in when it's broken.

 

Grenade the bearing, debris goes into diff, grenade diff, lose control of vehicle, roll, injury

 

Premature CV failures and risking getting part of the needle bearing into the gears.

 

True, reading here can make you that way.
Ever read a post at midnight only to get a flashlight and go looking ?

 

I had a 3 inch lift on a 2nd grn for 7 years, hard wheeling and work jse through all its lift and never had any vibrations with the stock needle bearing. If it aint broke dont fix it.

 

This thing will get into your diff and tear up your gears. An expensive fix with opening up the diff, pulling out the pieces, and replacing damaged parts. Not to mention potential CV damage. You won't always notice it if it breaks, the only way my buddy found his was broken was by checking it when he replaced his lift. You can buy the bushing and ask around any local TW folks to borrow tools. Install is easy, takes 30 minutes if its the only thing you're doing.

 

30 minutes to replace? If I am correct, you have to disconnect the shaft coming from the transfer case underneath the truck correct? If it is this simple I may just pul the trigger and save myself a potential headache down the road.

And this is where I’m conflicted. People say you won’t feel it sometimes, but then there’s the people like yourself who put the truck to work and have had it work fine. Endless money drains is what Tacoma’s are

 

I got underneath the truck and stared wiggling some parts. The drivers side axle feels solid in place, no loose fitting movements. The output shaft from the transfer case to the front diff also feels solid in place.

 

I think this is a 3rd gen thing only. The person that you were replying to has a 2nd gen