What is a needle bearing, do RWD Tacomas have them?

I’m reading about lifting my truck. Came across a thread saying to replace your needle bearing with a different bushing if you’re gonna lift. Do 2wd Tacomas need this? Or does it have something to do with the front diff? Thanks and sorry for the stupid question I have no clue about trucks and lifts- still learning.

 

It's for the front differential which you don't have.

 

That's what I was thinking after looking into it - but wasn't 100% sure. Thank you so much.

 

Just to answer the "what" question ...

Some ball bearings are in a cast ring that slid over a shaft. Needle bearing are elongated bearings, shaped like a needle. They must be placed manually in a grease-bed on the inside of a shaft around the space that another shaft is inserted.

 

Thank you.

If I go with a 2/1 lift (2" rough country spacer and 1" block rear), would I need to do anything special other than an alignment? I heard as long as you keep the lift tame, nothing over 3" - no new UCA are required. I know these types of lifts result in a terrible ride quality, but I'm just looking to level the truck out and make it sit nice with my new wheels and tires I've purchased (Method 703's and Toyo AT3 265/70/17). I also read about having to worry about new bump-stops, not sure if that's the case with such a small lift or if I'll be okay.

Thank you

 

Explaining what needle bearings are is the limit of my experience on this. I know that when you lift enough the "stock" needle bearings are overwhelmed by increased CV angles and are usually replaced during the lift operation to save grief.

But the other specific questions you ask are beyond me. Sorry.

 

You should read for a couple months before buying anything. This question just means you havent read enough.

 

That's why I'm asking and posting - not doing anything right away anyway waiting for weather to clear up a bit for a month or two

 

The common advice is:
1. Don't buy anything Rough Country (even if the up front price is attractive)
2. Don't buy spacer lifts, especially not that tall. Main reason is you can break your shocks, because your bump stop is no longer the stopping point.

That said, we all like to tell everyone what to do with their money, so take everything with a grain of salt.

There's this Tinkerer guy who does some good videos on Toyota suspension, may be worthwhile to check him out:
https://youtu.be/_68Hc8GtLko?feature=shared

The long and short is for performance, you might want something better. For cosmetics only, your spacers would work, but may have unforeseen issues.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/suspension.18/

 

I posted a new thread on the matter just to get better views based on the title. That said, I heard if the lift is tame like less than 3" a lot of those issues don't exist, other than ride quality. The only one I'm concerned about is the shocks and bump stops. Do you know if you can move the stock bump stop up front at all, or would I have to buy new ones, and if so, do they sell them by themselves that could work or should I just get new shocks? I can cancel my Amazon order, but I don't really want to get into spending thousands for a lift. Like I said in my other post, this truck isn't daily driven. Maybe 500 miles a month, mostly want it for the looks.

 

Cancel your Amazon order? i thought you werent buying anything yet.

 

If you get extended bump stops on stock suspension arms, it will reduce your overall travel and ruin the ride.

You can get shocks with adjustable spring mounts (like Bilstein 5100) that function like a spacer with fewer drawbacks (won't break when you bottom out).

Another interesting option for 2wd trucks is the maxtrac spindle lift. But definitely read the pros and cons on that one.

 

Disclaimer: I have not used any of these lift options, I've just done stock style replacements in the past.

Please do your own research.

 

Not installing anything yet. I got the wheels and tires sitting in my garage right now, buying everything though.

 

Lots of lifted trucks are form over function daily drivers. My unpopular opinion is a spacer lift for the majority of users will suit their needs.

 

Bilstein 5100 all around with 1inch block on rear is an affordable option imo

 

I would not commit any money on suspension, tires or wheels until you have a definite investigated plan.

Too many uses for "will install maybe during the next eclipse" $$ like retirement funds. Investigate retirement funds and you will learn that $1 save when you are 25 can be $30 at age 65. Imagine all of those suspension and wheel and tire $$ saved for retirement and make a plan for later on the suspension.

 

Haha, well I got the wheels and tires. I'm not really concerned about this $150 Amazon order if I need to return it. I got 265/70/17 tires because I know they fit stock, but also look really good with a 2" lift so they work either way. Didn't come here for financial advice my man, just wanna know if the truck needs any extra stuff before I install the lift. I know there are better options out there than spacer lifts, but I don't really drive this thing daily, it's used for taking my dogs to the state park and hauling small things around town, it's not a daily driver. I just want the look.

 

people like 5100's because it provides you alot of flexibility and settings. some believe its an improvement over stock suspension. (i didnt care for my SR suspension) I have a progressive add a leaf and thats a budget oriented rear suspension lift. You installing it yourself?