2.5 inch spacer front vibes 40ish mph

Hey all,

I just put on the 2.5 inch spacer lift front and 1.5 inch rear blocks on 2016 Tacoma sport. I also put in the diff drop. Stock 265/65r17 tires for now on stock rims. Haven’t done the alignment yet because I’m hoping to purchase tires in a one stop shopping kinda thing. I do already noticed that I have a slight vibration around 40-ish miles per hour. I’m guessing needle bearing? I was hoping the diff drop would resolute this.

thanks for any input!

 

We're the rear blocks tapered? Could try some shims.

 

Really do some research before you do anything else. Try using the search option, there's lots of good information on lifting these trucks. There is alot more to it, than just installing spacers or new coilovers. Welcome to TW and good luck with your truck.

 

I don't think you burned a bearing by leveling or spacers. Not sure what a diff drop is but if the pinion angle is not happy.....
Zim

 

You've definitely induced additional stress on your bushings, pinion, CV's.

 

So normally if the vibration is in the steering wheel, the problem is front. If you feel the vibration in your ass, its in the rear. (no joke). So how are you feeling the vibration?
Zim

 

This has given me a lot to think about and none of it has to do with my truck.

 

Diff drops are not needed on 2nd and 3rd Gen. Again, do some research.

 

I don't know who you're talking to. I don't have the problem, the OP does.

 

I apologize, replied to the wrong post. Hopefully OP sees it.

 

How’s your alignment? Looks like a lot of positive chamber. I could be seeing things.

 

And I agree with ya 100% You'll see in my signature, "You can't fix anything unless you know how it works". Research is the key.
Zim

 

Thanks guys. I realize my original post was lacking in some info:


I’ve read through several threads (50+ here on TW) and numerous reviews before attempting. I made the diff drop spacers and picked up the bolts to have in case I felt I needed them once I installed the front shock tower spacers.

Once installed, I felt it necessary as the front CV’s looks to have more pitch than I liked. The diff mount spacers brought them much closer to stock geometry

My goal: just a tad higher to put on some bigger tires (275/70r17 max) on stock wheels. I have the tools and extra materials to do CMC, or any other wheel clearance issues that may pop up. I may go off road here and there, but nothing that would warrant spending thousands on full off road sporting components.

I checked the rear 1.5in blocks with calipers to make sure of no defects. They were fine. Although, I do plan to make some 3/8 spacers to lower the CB to be closer stock geom, as well.

The vibe is subtle around 35-45mph. In the front. Only really feel it in my feet on the floorboard mostly, but fairly confident it’s from the drivers side.

I also realize this may possibly be because I haven’t gotten the alignment yet, but my gut says that’s not the cause.

Installed spacers on Sunday and will align when I get time after work this week.

Thanks again Tacos!

 

I've read on here in several places that if you put the truck in 4wd and the vibration goes away, then the problem IS the needle bearing and you have to do the ECGS fix. (I think that's the name for it) I've also read that you usually get away with a 1-1.5" lift in the front and not get the vibration. It's that over 1.5" where it usually shows up. Someone wanna chime in and confirm...?

 

I lifted with 5100s and OME-885 to give about 2 inches of front lift. I had to install/upgrade with the ECGS front diff bushing to fix the driver-side front CV vibes. I also had to install a rear shim to stop a rear vibration when you brake.

Lifting your truck can open a can of worms. In the long run, it was worth it for me.

 

Thanks for y’all’s help. I did switch to 4h and back to 2w and did seem to kill the vibe, as I read that check somewhere on here before attempting.

With my diff drop the pitch of the CV shaft is very minimal (see pick) I put them in for that reason. I wasn’t expecting a vibe since the pitch is so slightly changed from stock.

Is there a good check to make sure the axle is seated properly? It popped out at one point when I was moving the knuckle around. Popped it back in pretty effortlessly.

Mr-Paul, I plan to make and install a couple spacers to adjust the CB for the rear because I notice a slight vibration at very slow speeds also.


I’m unfamiliar with the ECGS acronym

 

Ecgs is a company.

 

East Coast Gear Supply.

Link for the upgrade bushing to get rid of the vibe...
https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-8536125-toyota-8-clamshell-bushing-eliminates-needle-bearing.html

You also need the special bearing removal tool. The also sell an installation bushing tool.

 

Went ahead and got an alignment done at Firestone today during work to rule it out. The vibe still exists. It is very subtle but I do want to remedy it. Looking at the pic I posted on here, you can see that there is almost zero strain/pitch on the CV shaft. Still hoping to hear some other things to look at.