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differential drop question

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by masonGman, Apr 28, 2018.

  1. Apr 28, 2018 at 2:43 PM
    #1
    masonGman

    masonGman [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I just put on a 2.5" leveling lift ... does this small a lift require a diff drop?

    Will any strange vibrations or sounds start to clue me in to needing to add the diff drop?

    thanks in advance for the knowledge in the forum.
     
  2. Apr 28, 2018 at 3:15 PM
    #2
    na8rboy

    na8rboy 18 DCLB Sport Cement

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    I had it installed with the 15 TRD PRO Suspension, and have no Vibrations, or needle bearing grind/growl/vib at all lift was 2" because I added 1/4" top plate spacer.

    I think if you get needle bearing grind/growl/vib, it will be to late for diff drop to help. Bearing will be bad by then.
     
  3. Apr 28, 2018 at 4:43 PM
    #3
    mikestaco17

    mikestaco17 Well-Known Member

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    I'm lifted 3 inches and have both the ECGS bearing and diff drop , your .5 inch under what I'm at. Hope this helps
     
  4. Apr 28, 2018 at 5:14 PM
    #4
    18quiksndtrd

    18quiksndtrd Active Member

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    Oddly I have 2” level in the front with taco lean spacer on the driver side and I got a howl when I added the diff drop Spacer at about 20mph so I took the drop spacers off and all is good or atleast it’s quieter so I can’t hear it? If this helps anyone
     
  5. Apr 28, 2018 at 7:34 PM
    #5
    masonGman

    masonGman [OP] Well-Known Member

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    So a couple more questions....

    I just put the lift on yesterday and feel a very slight rythmic vibration in the steering wheel that sometimes stops - I assume this is the needle bearing issue. I'm surprised it would start this quick.

    How long can I drive like this.. and will it do alot of damage to the differential..or just to the bearing itself?

    From looking at videos, it appears relatively easy to replace it with the EGCS bearing, and simply replacing it with the same factory bearing won't really work?
     
  6. Apr 28, 2018 at 9:06 PM
    #6
    lynlan1819

    lynlan1819 Well-Known Member

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    Dont waste your time or money on a drop kit.
     
    mightytacoman and Garrett75x like this.
  7. Apr 28, 2018 at 9:08 PM
    #7
    SpeySquatch

    SpeySquatch Function over Form

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    I got it with my OME 2” lift. Maybe wasn’t necessary but my CV angles sit nicely
     
  8. Apr 29, 2018 at 8:29 AM
    #8
    masonGman

    masonGman [OP] Well-Known Member

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    what does a good CV angle look like. I'm assuming dropping the Diff levels out the angles to be a little straighter. I never looked what mine appear like with the factory suspension.

    The other part I looked at is where the CV actually connects into the diff and the needle bearing... this looks like a straight in connection that is not affected the the lift... so not being a
    mechanic I'm curious how the lift even affects the needle bearing and CV connection into the differential
     
  9. Apr 29, 2018 at 9:42 AM
    #9
    SpeySquatch

    SpeySquatch Function over Form

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    The more lift the more the angle of the CV which puts more stress on that crappy needle bearing causing vibes. Your CV boot ribs should not be touching each other at a stand still. The diff drop helps prevent the boot ribs from touching so you don’t tear a boot when articulating/oscillating
     
    na8rboy likes this.
  10. Apr 30, 2018 at 4:10 AM
    #10
    masonGman

    masonGman [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I'm assuming from your description that I will need a diff drop to flatten out my CV joints a bit ..pic of my passenger side kinda sidways but you get the ideafile-4.jpg
     
    transworldmoto likes this.
  11. Apr 30, 2018 at 4:13 AM
    #11
    flenniken7

    flenniken7 Wishin' I was Fishin'

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    you should be fine
     
  12. Apr 30, 2018 at 4:16 AM
    #12
    Extra Hard Taco

    Extra Hard Taco Well-Known Member

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  13. Apr 30, 2018 at 4:30 AM
    #13
    na8rboy

    na8rboy 18 DCLB Sport Cement

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    This, plus the more you lift it pulls down and out on CV/axle. Which pulls retainer clip (Diff side) into needle bearing inner cage. That's what causes the needle bearing to fail sooner.
     
  14. Apr 30, 2018 at 10:40 AM
    #14
    SpeySquatch

    SpeySquatch Function over Form

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    borderline IMO. I would get it...it's cheap
     
    na8rboy likes this.

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