Needle bearing question

Is there any benefit to switch out the Needle bearing without a lift? I realized I am going to keep my truck stock at least until the mid travel kit comes in, probably a year from now. But I was thinking about doing the ECGS now before the lift. Is there any down side?

 

Nope. But if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

 

I had subtle vibes on the stock suspension, so I did it before I swapped in new stuff. It has been weirdly smooth since, so there were more vibes than I was actually paying attention to.


Zero down side and honestly super easy to do, even by yourself. Just three fasteners and some hammering after the wheel is off.

 

Personally, I wouldn't bother until you need it.

 

I'll have free time at the shop next week and for a couple of bucks, I don't see the downside of doing it. Unless it messes something up.

 

If you don’t have any vibrations then personally I would say don’t bother until it comes time to install your mid-travel stuff and then you can just knock it all out at once.

 

Best to not do it on a lift. Jacking the left side up as high as you can limits the drooling out of the diff and is easier to work with. A third hand bracing the top of the inner CV joint helps drive it in and out easier.

 

Thanks for the advice! I was planning on using the lift lol.

 

It'd be an extra step in an already long process

 

You're welcome!


Lifts are wonderful to have access to.

 

It is an extra step and adds about 1 hour or more to the process. Just did a full lift + ecgs bushing yesterday.

 

That's why I was thinking about doing it now so I didn't have to do it with the lift kit.

 

Also I like to do a drain and fill of the front diff while doing the ecgs bushing. Some diff fluid will leak out as soon as you remove the axle. 1.6 qt of gear oil.

 

I've replaced just a few of them.

 

Thanks!
Any particular one? I've used mobil 1 in all of my past trucks

 

I like mobil 1

$28 75w-90 Synthetic Gear Lube - 1 Quart (Pack of 2)

75w-90.

 

Thanks! I'll do both diffs next week with the bearing.

 

Second to changing it out, pretty fun project to do

 

Since you all are here, and Im going to need to replace mine Im going ask this really dumb question here.

Is this just for 1 side? or do you need to do both sides?

How long from the time you first hear the noise till you really need to take care of it?

 

Driver side only.

Ticking time bomb once you feel the vibrations / hear noises. Could last forever like that. Could go out in 6 months. It's anyone's guess.