Has Toyota fixed the needle bearing issues on 2021 Toyota Tacomas

I recently purchased a 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD OR, I am interested in having a 2” or 3” lift installed, only for installing bigger tires for looks, no off reading. I’ve read a lot of these forum’s on tacoworld, about the needle bearing causing a vibration. I’ve talked to a couple of shops around my area, and there saying the needle bearing has been addressed by Toyota, no longer an issue. Is this true, should I forget about the needle bearing and focus on what brand of lift to purchase. Thanks for any advise.

 

My 21 with a 3" lift doesn't have any vibrations yet but I haven't heard anything about it being upgraded or addressed for this MY.

 

Not that I know or heard of, in stock form, there is no issue, so I doubt Toyota will do anything about it.

 

Thanks

 

Doubt it, considering it isn't really an issue if you dont modify the truck. Its not a very hard or expensive fix, nothing to be afraid of.

 

Not true. Some completely stock 2nd and 3rd gen tacomas, Some 5th gen 4runners and even FJ Cruisers have the issue. Toyota issued a TSB for it. There is an issue, they just don't want to change the design for whatever reason.

 

As far as I know nothing has changed with the needle bearing design but my 2010 has had a 2.5" lift and the OEM needle bearing for 80k+ miles with no issues. It seems like it's a total crapshoot whether or not you get vibes, varies truck to truck. I also think the needle bearing issue is alittle blown out of proportion online.

 

I stand corrected, thanks for the info.

 

Agreed as to being a little blown out of proportion. But when you get the vibrations/noise it's very annoying and concerning. Hence why I have replaced about 20 of them for various TW members.

 

Just another confirmation: it has not been addressed by Toyota. My '21 needed the ecgs bearing after lift.

I can't speak to how prevalent it still is. But on my truck it was noticeable immediately and worrying for a new truck.

 

Thanks for all the responses

 

You may not have issues at first but I suspect eventually you will. No issues for me until 8k miles after installing my 2" lift. Then it went from very suttle and infrequent to scary vibes within another 1k miles. Installed the ECGS replacement and all is good.

 

It's really a crap shoot. I've had my 2" lift for 5 years/36k miles. Have 35s and regear and no issues with it still.

 

My 09 had 3 inch lift on 33’s, 160k no issues.
My 21 has a 2 inch lift on 33’s, been about 1500 miles no issues.

 

You can fit 33's stock. 255/85/16. The tires the tacoma should have had from stock.

 

It’s crazy how this affects some trucks but not all, I’ve looked and searched trying to see if there was someway to determine if there were specific models with the issue or just random. Not making a lot of sense why Toyota hasn’t came up with a solution for this.

 

There is no issue. They aren't meant to be lifted. If they are you gotta fix or change things

 

I have a 21 OR and I installed the ECGS bushing at the same time as the lift. Not a big deal to change at that time. For what it's worth, ECGS said they believe around 90% of Tacoma's will develop the vibe without the bushing replacement.

 

I don’t agree with that statement from ECGS. That’s the equivalent of saying 90% of lifted trucks will need lower control arm bushing. Yes of course they will, eventually.