Who replaced their needle bearing with clamshell bushing

After lifting your truck did you end up replacing the needle bearing with clamshell bushing?

I ordered the ecgs clamshell bearing. The roaring and vibration only happens slow speeds none experienced at highway speeds.

 

I did mine preventatively. Vibrations (even the potential ones), rattles, leaks and creaks drive my OCD crazy. Not the easiest thing in the world to do, but not rocket science either.

 

My front is set at 1.75 I think on the 5100 and the vibration is slight but noticeable. I’m hopeful this is the last mod I dump into this truck.

 

I had to do mine at 15,000 miles after installing a leveling kit. Installed ECG clam shell bushing and the problem was solved.

 

I would guess the vast majority of those of us that have lifted our trucks (which I would guess is a good portion of TW members) either have done it, or need to do it.

Here's a thread with 222 pages (so far) of similar stories:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...differential-bearing-vibration-thread.152173/

 

In the need to do it boat, have the part and picking up the tool from a buddy tonight

 

Same here.

 

Did it on my 2nd gen, was kind of a pain, but not too bad. I think my biggest hang up was getting the new axle seal flush.

 

Need to do mine. When I had 5100s on the 2nd notch. I only noticed a slight low speed vibration in cold weather.

I know the ride height is higher after getting coilovers. I don't notice any vibrations now. I think it's because of the E rated MTs, I can't feel the vibes.

 

I did mine, had the vibration after installing a 2 1/2" lift. The bushing took care of it. I didn't replace my seal and it's fine. Got rid of my vibrations and no leaks.

 

Just did this Friday, wasn't difficult.... Here is a good video to watch beforehand... https://youtu.be/m9W31KGy6k0
I also chamfered the piece of the tool that is inserted behind needle bearing, made it easier to get into place. ***note***Ignore the orientation of the t-nut in the picture, it should be flipped around so the non-chamfered edges contact the needle bearing that is being removed.

 

Timmy the toolman said ecgs fixed this issue.

 

I purchased the removal tool and bushing a few years ago and just got around to installing it, they may have updated the tool since then.

 

My understanding is that only the drivers side needs replaced. Is that correct? Why doesn’t the truck already come with this mod from the factory? A lot of people will lift their trucks so this should be standard, and if you don’t lift then the new bushing should still be better than the stock needle bushing anyway.

 

Yup!

 

@vpcustoms yes only driver side

 

https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-8536125-toyota-8-clamshell-bushing-eliminates-needle-bearing.html

“This is for the drivers side ONLY, the passenger side uses a ball bearing. This is for the bushing ONLY, the removal tool is also an option to allow one to easily remove the stock needle Bearing.”

 

100k on my lift and havent had to do it yet. Everything is still smooth.

 

I did mine because my wheel bearing was bad.. which is to say I skipped right past checking my wheel bearing and replaced the needle bearing on assumption. So yeah I’m a little dense sometimes. But the needle bearing wasn’t a difficult job at all. The hub nut you will definitely want a breaker bar and a pipe if you have a few miles on. Also someone to apply brakes so you can bust it loose.

good luck!

 

Or just put it in 4 Wheel Drive before you start.