Needle Bearing - Yes, Replace It (ECGS)

I was planning on doing mine eventually and called around to get some estimates. An off road specialized shop told me the same. They'd do it for $400 - labor only and they also sold their "own" kit for $299... Decided to just do it myself when the time comes.

 

For reference, shops in our area (Central California) charge 350-500 labor only. I charge 200 labor but I am not a "real" shop with overhead. Up a little ways in this thread I posted a video on how to do it yourself with normal tools and not having to mess with the axle hub etc. Take a look before deciding how to get it done.

 

Any new updates, or shortcuts on the process? I have the parts, tools, and fluid, just hesitant to jump in. Your video was pretty good, for the masses. Thank you, Ski

 

Still easier to pull the bump stop to get the axle to swing the axle out of the way. The truck in the video didn't have a sway bar so that driver side end link has to be pulled to allow the spindle and everything to swing and that's not shown in the video. The way in the video is still pretty much the way I do it. If you have an air hammer/chisel with a flat end, you can use that to reinstall the bushing so you don't Hit yourself a hammer, but you have to be really careful to make sure it starts flush and even when going in.

 

But, you are not pulling the castle nut from the tie rod now? just pull the sway bar link, 2 lower ball joint bolts, Bump stop, and move the axle aside? Ski

 

All I did was disconnect the sway bar and the 2 lower ball joint bolts. That’s all. Everything swings out of the way.

 

Yep! Just like @CB350G said, you don't have to pull the tie rod. I usually pull it to make it a little easier but it is not required.

 

I saw it, thank you! I've watched a few at this point to determine if it's something I can do and you have the most straight forward process.

 

Did mine over the Christmas break while installing 6112s.

Wasn't too difficult, just time consuming.

If anyone needs the install tools let me know.

 

Clutch (had to) and ECGS Bushing (preventative) on the lift today

 

It may be buried in this thread somewhere, but do you need an alignment after the bushing is installed?

 

Mine did.

 

Shouldn't...... You don't change any suspension geometry.

 

Also did not need alignment after installation.

Also just pulled two lower control arm bolts. I removed my aftermarket bump stop for just a bit more room. No swaybar to disconnect for me.

Definitely not an overblown upgrade IMO. Felt an immediate improvement in smoothness of driving.

This upgrade is frightening for sure, but not difficult at all in practice.

If the bushing goes in slightly crooked at the beginning that's fine. Use your hand on the install tool to straighten it while gently tapping on the end of the tool.

 

Does anyone near Wichita Falls TX have experience doing this? Or know anyone that does? I cannot find a shop that will do it.

Edit: I found a guy. Moved from Macdill AFB Tampa where they had an autobody shop on the base, Sheppard AFB does not have one, so couldn't do any of the work myself. M&R Motors on Sheppard Access Road will do it if you're in the area and looking for a place. They don't show up with generic google searches like "auto shop" or "mechanic shop", it took me asking around quite a bit to find them.

EditEdit: just got the truck back and no more humming! Thank the Taco Gods! Shop let me hang on to the bearing, noticed something, one of the needles was pretty close to popping out (pictures inserted), glad I got it done when I did. (Needles were coated with grease to make them stick to the bearing body just in case they wanted to fall out).

 

I just ordered the entire kit from ECGS, I have read this thread like twice already, I feel overloaded with confidence until I have the truck up on jacks stands. I searched and did not find a local shop in Miami to do it, El Creador Off Road shop wanted $1300 because they say that the differential needed to be taken down, obviously they don't come to this forum. I've had the vibrations for over a month and also a grinding noise right at my feet when braking to a stop or slowing down, probably next weekend I'll get it done I'll post some pics and keep the positive vibe going.
One question, changing to the ECGS bushing does not change the type of oil used in the differential right? What oil are you guys filling with after done?

Thanks!!!

 

Same oil that was in there before nothing new or special needed. What weight oil would depend upon whether you have stock gearing or if you have re geared your truck. There are many opinions on that as well as brand type.
I believe a stock Taco is 75W-80. I have 4.88 gearing and use 85W-140

 

You can do it. Start early in day, you should be fine.

 

https://youtu.be/Wl2FmRGjiV4?si=-NtLqW46sB6B3JYv

I say 7:30 position on the bushing seam but meant 4-5 o clock position, also, if you have the sway bar installed, you will have to pop off the one end link to get the hub etc to swing out far enough. The truck in the vid didn't have the sway bar installed anymore haha

 

I do them for $250-$280 labor depending on how I feel that week ha. I've replaced over 40 of them and know the job well. I use the tools made by ECGS. When I have a customer come this is what they need to bring:

1. Ecgs bushing ($60)
2. Axle seal sold by ecgs or dealer ($20)
3. 2 qt gear oil. I like valvoline

$29 75w-90 Synthetic Gear Lube - 1 Quart (Pack of 2)

75w-90 in flex bag