How common is the Needle Bearing to bushing replacement

I am trying to gather up all costs before I dive into a lift purchase. My goal is for around a 2.5" lift. As I have read around here and seen on Youtube videos that the driver's side needle bearing in the front diff might need to be replaced with a bushing from ECGS. How common is this issue? Should I factor this into total cost and knock it out when installing the lift? Or, assume I'm fine with out it, but if I hear some noise know what it is. Not sure if tire size/weight will make a difference, but I'm planning on 265/75R16 Nitto Ridge Grapplers in the lighter of the 2 loads @ 49lbs each. Will a diff drop alleviate the possibility of this issue? From what I can tell, the needle bearing doesn't work well with a lift because of the angles of the CV mating with the front diff, but a diff drop would realign the CVs to a better position. A diff drop is already budgeted for.

 

How much lift are you planning to run?
I’d go ahead and install the bushing and pass on the diff drop.
They actually rotate the diff and don’t really help a lot.
I’d rather risk a torn boot than a busted diff or oil pan.

(Yes, it’s happened)

With the diff dropped below the subframe. If you take a hard hit to the diff it can shove the diff right into the oil pan. And that is BAD.

 

My target lift is around 2-2.5" lift. It will most likely be closer to the 2.5". For my needs, I highly doubt I will hit my diff on anything hard enough to smash my diff into my oil pan. I only ride on the roads and soft sand beaches. I believe your saying TnShooter, its not a do both situation, its a one or the other? Is that correct?

 

You can do both, you’ll either get the vibrations or you won’t.
Regardless if there is a Diff drop or not.
I’d personally do the bushing, you’re already half way there when installing the lift.