The 5.29 Mega Thread!!

FWIW the guys at ECGS, who warranty their re-geared diffs for 5 years, recommend against REM and cryo treatments. I asked about this and was 100% going to get the cryo treatment but they indicated that it's a waste of money. I can only assume given how many Tacoma re-gearings they do, and that they're the ones footing the bill if something fails, that the difference in failure rate for non-cryo, non-REM diffs is not statistically significant from that of those with cryo or REM treatment.

Personally I've got 2 years and a bunch of miles on my ECGS 5.29s (non-cryo, non-REM) and have no issues to this point.

 

I don’t think it matters much either. Nothing against the guys who chose to cryo, but I don’t know of anyone that broke gears and then cryo’d the next set and stopped future problems because of it.

I may not be fully in the loop on Tacomas but in the Jeep world, REM was not even an option until Revolution started offering it in October 2018. Of course, REM itself has been around much longer than that but not something typical consumers knew much about or opted for themselves. Most just buy the gears and install as is. That’s how factory gears are anyways, and they’re fine.

I don’t see much downside besides the cost, but I don’t think there’s too too much benefit either, especially on the REM part if you don’t mind the break in. If I had a specific gear guy who absolutely insisted on either and didn’t want to install otherwise, I’d consider it for his sake but otherwise I tend to not go for those options. I’ve never considered cryo in general because for what I do, I am not hurting for additional strength. If I was though I’d probably want more axle as opposed to cryo.

I too opted for non-REM, non-Cryo on my 5.29s and no issues. There is a bit of howling from 60-70, but that’s it and it hasn’t gotten worse. Overall pretty quiet setup, similar to the stock 4.30s and I have no regrets.

 

Cryo and REM are scientifically proven processes. Their warranty only applies to the setup and I would bet that 99.99999% of diff failures are punted to the manufacturer who also punts back at the installer so warranty is pretty moot in most cases. They are more common in motorsports.

Your same argument could apply to the bulk of mods people add to their trucks, billet UCA, Delta joints, uniballs, viton seals, etc.

Most peope chose form over function (sadly) so the extra couple hundred for cryo that provides some increased protection on your investment is often spent on more superfluous items.

 

Factory gears are not just thrown in. They are shot peened to produce a similar result to REM. Manufacturers would never leave “break-in” to the customer.
Also, properly setup gears don’t make any noise. Experiences of howling noises like you’re reporting is exact why I didn’t go with ECGS.
REM, Cryo and setup by experienced gear guy = zero break-in, zero noise, long service life.

 

I haven't seen anyone on here talk about ECGS denying a warranty claim - also haven't seen many failures of 5.29s regardless of treatment or lack thereof.

Like I said, initially I was 100% going to get the cryo, but I'll trust the people like ECGS who put their money where their mouth is.

 

To each their own, but I can't imagine going through the hassle of getting 5.29's swapped in, and then scoffing and skipping the relatively inexpensive processes that are scientifically proven to increase reliability, durability, etc.

Also, howling? Haha That is the result of a subpar installation process IMO. Get your gears done correctly and that is a non-issue.

I'd rather trust the guy that I actually met in person (highly regarded, arguably the best Toyota gear guy in the US), who only has his reputation to use to generate his living, rather than a large corporation that can use their size and reach to avoid accountability.

 

“Howling” is probably the wrong word to use. It’s the same minor whining that the factory diff did. The gears are fine and set up well.

 

Sorry, just using the word you used.

 

There should be no whining or howling from any gears. If there is, that means the time and patience to setup the gears was not taken. When a company is pumping out re-gears, that what happens.

You get what you pay for.

 

Not sure why all the hate for ECGS. In my experience they're great. Perhaps you've got a lot of options out west but in the middle of nowhere SC/NC it was nice being able to drive up to a dedicated gear shop and get the work done with a nice warranty. No issues with mine after more than 2 years.

 

Why would you? Most diff failures occur while offroading and is a known quantity so no warranty claim would ever be made and even less likely someone posting on a forum about.

The few claims I have seen for broken diffs came down to the manufacturer and installer both denying liability and in the end the consumer lost out.

I've seen plenty of diff failures, none of them were cryo'd, but just because their isn't a comprehensive statistical analysis between the two doesn't change the fact that there are indeed plenty of situations that a diff survived specifically because it was cryo'd just as there are situations in which an axle survived for the same reason.

If you want to trust a laborer based on anecdotes that's fine, I'll stick with the laws of thermodynamics.

There is no hate for ECGS, good company, but they are just a gear seller and installer. Keep in mind that shops like this won't install customer provided gears, since ECGS doesn t cryo their gear it is to thier own benefit to sell and install non-cryo'd gears

 

I don't want to hold your hand on this but you might want to take a look at the ECGS warranty. They stand in front of the manufacturer's warranty on the ring and pinion (meaning they will make you whole and not rely on the manufacturer) and they know you're going to offroad. The only restriction is on tire size and that is only larger than 35", which seems reasonable to me.

And yeah man if someone has a legitimate claim that's denied by ECGS you can bet they would come on here and complain as loud as possible. It happens every day with people complaining about any and everything. I think a blown diff and denied warranty claim would be sufficient motivation. Give it a rest.

 

I have not consistently seen people complain about a mods in general breaking while offroading and or complaining about a warranty denial because they were offroading. Shocks may be an exception, lots of complaints on shocks.

"ECGS will warranty all ring and pinions sold by us directly against manufacturer defects . Abuse is not covered, incorrect installation, improper gear oil, or improper gear break in is not covered. ECGS reserves the right to direct customer to manufacturer at any time if we feel warranty is unmerited."

You were saying? Pretty standard

 

"Our NEW or RE-MANUFACTURED differential units carry a 5 year warranty on all new parts i.e. bearings, ring and pinion, shafts. This is a parts and labor warranty."

Yeah that's what I'm saying? Not sure why you've decided to pick a fight with me on this. All I said was I had a good experience with ECGS and trust their judgement. You must be really fun at parties

 

Your quote doesnt change the fact that there warranty is actually pretty standard and can essentially deny warranty for any reason and direct you back to the manufacturer whenever they see fit.....

If you think I'm "picking a fight" then it's best that you just bounce out of this thread, maybe take a break from the internet for a bit.

No one has issues with ECGS or that you decided on not cryo'ing your gears, what's getting poked at is the ignorance used in substantiating your opinion. Keep in mind you came to a conclusion based on an opinion and not by fact.

 

Like I said, really fun at parties. You seem like a standard Air Force puke

 

At least I'm invited, apologies that I wrote this above a 4th grade reading level. Glad you like the gears.

 

Lol relax brother. @JoeCOVA doesn't need his hand held when it comes to gears. Or parties.

But you might on wrangling your own emotions. From Marine to Marine, since you obviously have a disdain for the AF, take a chill pill.

 

I believe the argument was regarding REM and Cryo not being needed and doing nothing to help the ring and pinion.

ECGS is doing just fine as a business and they don’t need anyone getting their back. They simply choose to not make REM and Cryo an option and tell the customer it’s not needed. That is not true and many of us who understand mechanical engineering are voicing that fact.

I’m sure ECGS diffs are doing just fine for most but if you want properly setup gears that don’t make noise and last the life of the truck, go a different route.

 

this thread is great and IMO I am in line with the REM and local install camp.... that said, anyone know a good gear shop in the Massachusetts area? I read good things about Built for the East and Endangered Species Off-Road in the NE BS thread, but figured I would ask this group as well.... appreciate any and all insights and recommendations! thank you.