Spacer lifts on 3rd gen tacoma

I went with a 2" front and 2" rear spacer lift on my 2016 TRD sport. Didn't do the Diff drop and I'm having two issues.

1. Vibration in the front end that disappears in 4WD and
2. Super stiff suspension in the rear.

for problem #1 the Toyota dealer said I needed the diff drop which I ordered and from what I gathered I also need to replace the needle bearing now too which I've ordered from ECGS and hopefully this should eliminate the vibration in the front.

My question on item #1 is, if I replace the needle bearing do I also need to do the diff drop or was the diff drop just intended to relieve pressure from the needle bearing?

As far as problem #2 my question is, does the spacer lift stiffen the suspension and put undue stress on the leaf springs? and do I need to also purchase the carrier bearing drop?

I did the spacer lift as a cost effective way to change the look (which I'm super happy with btw)of my daily driver but I'm kinda regretting it now. With the added costs of all the other BS and a likely second alignment it would have been easier to just put in a set of Bilsteins in. Its my daily driver and I baby the heck out of it.

Any thoughts or advice are appreciated.

 

#1 is most likely the front driver side differential bearing. Replace it with ECGS bushing. Diff drop is to correct CV axle angles, it wont help the vibe you're getting.

#2 "As far as problem #2 my question is, does the spacer lift stiffen the suspension and put undue stress on the leaf springs? and do I need to also purchase the carrier bearing drop?"
If you're on stock rear shocks you have likely maxed them out and they will clunk and ride worse. If you lift the rear you need longer shocks. A front spacer goes on top of the shock and therefore wont require a longer shock.

 

Thanks a lot for the advice. Any thoughts on carrier bearing shims/drop with a 2" rear lift?

 

I dont think you need it. I know it wont affect ride quality. If you have vibrations when slowing down, which could be vibrations in the driveshaft, then maybe.

I'm lifted about 3.5" on Dakar HDs in the rear. I have an axle shim because its a big lift, I don't have a CB drop, I have no vibrations. I also have the ECGS bushing.

 

Lol @ spacer lifts.

Lol @ “ regretting “

 

Here comes Tacomaworld and the constructive answers. Not everyone knows that the "right answer" is to immediately spend 4k+ for a set on Kings.

OP, this is about to get derailed.

 

Everything @elduder stated is the direction that you should go with trying to eliminate these issues you are having... and research before spending $$ on things you might not know much about. Not to be a dick; just true. Good luck.

 

Ill just write it out, Im sure someone will rush to disagree, but this is based of seeing plenty of spacer lifted people on the road with many miles on their lifts.

Spacer lifts should be OK for daily, on pavement use.

Any lift, spacer of coil/shock, coilover what have you, will put more stress on the front CV boots, so wear on these is inevitable and the "this is better" is really subjective.

Spacer lifts will, however, allow your CVs to extend further than your typical coil and shock lift. That will put additional strain on UCA ball joints. They will also introduce a risk of breaking the shock at the bottom mounting shaft, which is a problem when your 10 or 15 miles up a trail.

Rear blocks, will introduce additional chance of having axle wrap occur. I haven't personally seen this attribute to additional failure though.

Basically, a spacer/block lift for a truck that spend all its time on the road, will be alright. I've had stuff fail on my lifts in the past, and I've never used spacers, so it will happen either way. If you're going to take it off road, just go with 5100s at the very least.


For now, OP, get the ECGS bushing done, skip the CB drop, buy 5100s for the rear and put them on yourself, it takes maybe 45 mins.

 

You front vibration issue is not caused by the type of lift you've installed but by the increased height. Your needle bearing is the issue in the front. It is a very common issue due to the poor factory design. Replace it with the ECGS unit and you will be good.
For the rear, you either need the proper shims on the axle or the carrier bearing drop. Both are inexpensive and fairly simple. Again, this issue is not dependent on the type of lift but the increased height itself.