2017 TRD OR - odd vibration after lift

So this past weekend I installed Bilstein 5100s & OME 885 coils on my 2017 TRDOR. Also put in Headstrong 3-leaf AAL.

Right after installing everything, the truck drove well overall but I've noticed a faint drone & vibration in the pedals. Its not constant, it comes and goes every 3-5 seconds and I can only hear it below about 30mph. But also it remains constant with speed (as in it doesn't come and go more frequently based on how fast im going--seems to be always the same frequency).

Ive already had an alignment done and it hasnt gone away so its not that, but before I head back to a mechanic shop to get their opinion does anyone here have any ideas that may help me out?

It seems to be coming from the front end. I thought the coilover install was pretty straightforward but maybe theres something I forgot to do? Not sure what to think

 

Welcome to the needle bearing replacement world. Go ahead and get the ECGS bushing.

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

 

I read about that, but with 885s and 5100s I only lifted ~1.5-2", would this really be the needle bearing?

 

Yes, especially if the noise goes away in 4x4.

 

Did you change tires at the same time ? Doubtful its the needle bearing if it the vibes started immediately after lifting.

 

Yes the vibes and sound started after the lift but stayed after the wheel/tire swap. Any ideas ?

 

So just to confirm you lifted, test drove truck with the original wheels and tires, had immediate vibes, then switched wheels and tires and the vibes stayed the same?

 

Yes exactly. Although the sound/vibes aren’t like super noticeable or obvious, they are there and yeah, after lift but before wheels tires. Stayed after wheels/tires and alignment.

I’m not super concerned like something is really fucked up but for sure something is up

 

Ok first try zip tying your front drive shaft. Use a bunch of zip ties through the yoke and tie off against the frame, just to keep it from spinning. Keep it in 2wd and see if the vibes persist.

 

Do this simple test. Drive in a straight line. Flip on 4wd. If the vibe goes away, it's the needle bearing. ECGs is the simple fix.

 

Angle

 

needle bearing. My 2nd gen needed it after only 1.85 inches of front lift.

 

So either you can belive that the needle bearing wore out and became damaged immediately when you lifted the truck or you can spend 10 cents on zip ties and 1 minute of your time and zip tie your front driveshaft first and see if the vibe goes away. Also how much play does your front driver's side axle have vs the passenger?

 

It's pretty common for lifts on this platform to cause issues with that needle bearing - especially on older Tacoma's.. if it goes away in 4WD that's almost definitely your issue.

Otherwise you might need to do the carrier bearing spacer for the rear driveline. Could be just a hair out of spec depending how much you lifted the rear. I'd hope it's this as it's significantly cheaper and easier to install.

 

I have read in quite a few places that if you lifted and have vibes after lift, it’s probably your drive shaft angle, which is a cheap $100 fix using the EMU spacer.

 

What is shad angle and EMU spacers?

 

do the 4x4 test.

Your symptoms are exactly what happens when you lift and need the needle bearing.

 

In the same boat. Had my new suspension installed about a week ago (Eibach Pro Truck Stage 1, 1/4 spacer for lean, and Deaver AAL). Got vibrations almost immediately, the 4Hi test was inconclusive as sometimes it would go away sometimes it wouldn’t.

Got my alignment and installed ECGS bushing this past weekend but still getting vibrations. Just ordered the OME carrier bearing drop kit, will give that a try first. If that still doesn’t work will look into diff drop or axle shims

 

Im doing the ECGS bushing this coming weekend, i'll follow up here too for everyone else reading. hopefully this solves mine

 

following up on this thread...i replaced the needle bearing w/ the ECGS bushing a few weeks ago. However, I'm still noticing some odd vibration/noise. Ive been driving on it regardless (dont have another vehicle) but still, its driving me crazy

the previous issue was 100% the needle bearing as everyone here suggested, however, there is still periodic vibration and even a faint 'howling' type noise i can hear if i have the windows down. its not constant, and with the needle bearing replaced already i dont know what else it could be ?

any other suggestions would be helpful. I'm fairly confident i did the install correctly, but you never know, lol. i did not get another alignment after installing the bushing (did after wheels and tires and lift however), since i only removed the 2 lower wheel hub bolts to replace the bushing. could it be as easy as getting another alignment?

i will try to pay closer attention this evening as i drive to see if its better or worse under any specific conditions, but figured id start here for a brainstorming session.