Time to do ECGS diff bushing. What tools do I need?

A 2" lift added a subtle vibration in the steering wheel. Pretty sure its time to replace the needle bearing. I did some searching and watched some videos. What special tools did you use or need? I have a list below.

1) The ECGS bearing puller. (I actually need to buy or borrow one)
2) Bearing and seal driver. Have this
3) Device to remove axle.

Not sure on the last one. Slap-hammer, or a pickle fork? What works well to pop out the axle?

Parts I will have the bushing (obviously) and an axle seal. Anything else I am missing?

Do I need to pull the axle out of the hub, or can I just detach the lower joint bolts and swing out the assembly?

Thanks for the info.

 

ive got my eye on this cus i got the parts and tools coming in a few days . i added billes 5100 2.5 and got an alignment and vvvverr vvverrrnnn verrrnn veerrrnn under my feet at 40mphs. do you plan on emptying your diff oil or just replacing some after the install?

 

Probably the most important tool for this job and any other Tacoma job is the "search tool" on the upper left side of the pages at Tacoma World. That would bring up anything you need to know about this job = official-2nd-gen-4x4-front-differential-bearing-vibration-thread.152173

 

The quantity of existing threads indicates there is some evolution on the subject. Or at least a continued discussion. Maybe someone has recent experience they would like to add. Maybe someone has a tool I can borrow or buy.

Appreciate the reminder on the value of the search tool.

 

I've heard of some guys being able to pull the axle from the diff without separating it from the spindle, but that's a lot of (heavy) shit to swing around and have to support that's still going to be in your way while you work. It sounds like you've never removed an axle from the diff so I can tell you from experience: you'll greatly appreciate the extra room while doing this the first time. To remove the axle completely you'll need a 35mm (preferably an impact socket) and a prybar or long screwdriver to keep the hub from spinning while you remove the nut (or a buddy to hold the brakes). Look up Timmy the Toolman on youtube- he has a pretty comprehensive video on the removal process/ECGS install. I can't link from my current location but it should be easy to find.

There is a "sweet spot" when removing/reinstalling the axle. You'll want to rotate it about 5 degrees between attempts to pull and/or reinstalling and it should pretty much pop right out. Otherwise you'll be cursing and fighting it for what feels like an eternity and it won't budge.

Also the bearing removal tool is a little tricky to line up, but same thing: keep at it and it should pop right in.

Good luck.

 

Thats the problem , no one uses the tool . Start another thread then when someone does use the search tool the topic is spread all over the place . You learn more by one thread that evolves so you learn by many people as some are quite a bit smarter than some and the manufacture even post videos . Its kind of like asking who makes the best suspension when their is already 8,000 threads. I read first then if I am unsure I ask . I do that some times so people don't see how dumb I am about some things . TW is full of answers just look up you question.

The thread I sent you started in 2011 but the last post was 2 weeks ago. That bearing has not changed since 20011 and many people ask on that thread about borrowing the tool and when you ask there eveyone that posted on that thread sees it not just the fw on this thread and then their is the classified secton

 

I bought this kit rather than their removal tool. I couldn't justify that much for a single purpose tool.

Also a slide hammer with 1 hook hose clamped to the CV works phenomenal in pulling the CV out of the diff.

 

Agree to a point. But look above your post, you can see other members posting helpful responses that were created today. To me this info and perspective is extremely helpful. I respond to people if I have some first hand knowledge on something whether or not I believe a similar searchable answer is available to the OP. To me its a part of paying it forward. People have taken the time to respond to me so I do the same. If my first instinct in responding to a thread is to tell the OP to use the search tool, then its an indication I should just not post at all.

 

Thanks a bunch. Interesting on indexing the axle while trying to pop it out. That's a great tip. I may try to pull of the brakes but leave the axle nut on and just try to swing out and pop out the axle. If not I will have the 35mm socket on hand.