2003 Tacoma 4x4 front Diff

I have a 2003 Tacoma 4x4, 3.4v V-6 5spd. Im getting a vibration from the driver side floor. I got under the truck and the axle has a lot of play in it. Im trying to find out if there is a bearing on the driver side of the diff. I cant remember what truck it was but it seems like awhile back i replaced a seal and bearing on the front diff of a 4x4. Any help would greatly be appreciated.

 

There is always lots of play in the axles. If you check the other side, you will find the same.

Can you start simple and rotate the tires? It would be an easy fix if it was just a badly balanced wheel.

 

Already checked the other side, nowhere near the play as the driver side! If there is a bearing on the driver side then I can replace it. Im not to familiar with toyota, this is my first 4x4 yota!

 

There is a needle bearing in the front diff. East Coast Gear Supply sells a bushing which replaces this needle bearing, which a lot of people have used especially on 2nd gen tacomas.

 

http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/c-1169297-toyota-clamshell-bushings-7-5-7-5-clamshell.html

 

4x4 or pre-runner?

conflicting information posted and looking at signature/avatar

 

Did you check out your carrier bearing on the rear drive shaft?

 

It's a 4x4 base model. I'm guessing whoever I got the truck from put a pre runner tailgate on it. I haven't checked the carrier bearing yet. It could be that as well. I will check it out when I get home.

 

So I have gone down this road recently:
I replaced my carrier bearing with a poly one from IEDS something or like that. Immediate difference but then highlighted the next thing to fix.
I also replace a U-joint that was completely rusted thru on one of the four shafts.





Also something to check is if the drive line is in phase. Youtube it.

Lastly, there is the ECGS clamshell bearing replacement for the front diff (doesn't look too hard to replace but more likely time consuming).

 

sounds like its time for an ecgs bushing

 

Well so far I went ahead and ordered the carrier bearing, two front axles, and all the u joints. I think I'm going to pull both front axles and see what all is involved with the diff on both sides and try to get new parts. She is coming together slowly but surely. For those of you who don't know, Marley crawler makes great products!!

 

What's an ECGS bushing?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/1st-gen-4x4-front-diff-bearing-vibration.276853/page-2


replaces needle bearing with a bushing.

 

Awesome! That sounds like just the part I need to replace. Thank you. I will let y'all know if it works.