The notorious drive line vibration after 3'' lift.

First time posting but I've come here for information many MANY times.

Well finally got the lift i've been wanting for my 2015 2nd gen, 4 door, 4x4 this past weekend. Anyway, got the lower end Boss Suspension kit with upper control arms. Had it installed by my friend who works in Toyota's service department, all done at the dealer.


http://toyteclifts.3dcartstores.com...ss-Suspension-System-for-05-Tacoma_p_15.html#

Well all was fine for the first couple days, or I just didn't notice it at first, but went out to grab a bite the other night and there was a very noticeable rear vibration. This is a non constant cyclical vibration that starts at around 15-20mph and continues (increasing in speed) up until about 50 mph at which point it disappears. Doing my research on here found out it's very likely my drive shaft and that I need 3* rear axle shims (which were included in the Kit) and likely a carrier bearing drop kit (not included and I don't have it). Getting the CB kit will be easy, I can stop by Toyotec tomorrow morning and pick one up (Yay Colorado livin).

THE WHOLE POINT OF THIS POST:

My confusion about this issue is that it isn't consistent. After a 15 minute freeway drive to work in the afternoon, the issue disappears (warm conditions). In the morning when I drive home and conditions are much cooler (I work night shift) it's MUCH more noticeable upon first driving and doesn't disappear completely but is much less noticeable when I get home (Undoubtedly because the parts all warm up). After researching, I measured (using my phone, lolol) and the difference in front shaft and rear shaft angles was about 1.5* but this lessened to less than one after it warmed up. I intend to get a proper angle measurment tool and calibrate it against the transfer case and tranny for proper shaft angle measuring tomorrow.


My questions though are the following:

1. Does the shaft overall angle matter that much? I've now read that 3* or less is optimal and I've also read that as long as the shaft is , for the most part, straight that it doesn't matter the ultimate angle it's at.

2. Would it ultimately be better for me just to get a 1 piece drive shaft and be done with it? I can't imagine if I have to have it taken back in that it's gonna cost less than 500 (as it never does) so maybe it would just be the best way to go.

Any other suggestions I'm open to, I'm right at 37000 miles so I somewhat doubt it's anything worn but you never know.

 

Could needle bearing failure. Try engaging the 4x4 while driving straight. If it goes away we have a winner.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...differential-bearing-vibration-thread.152173/

 

4x4 with 3" lift, sound like needle bearing, especially starts at 15 to 20 and stops at 50 mph, as stated above engage 4x4 and see if it still does it!

 

Yeah i saw that but have ruled it out at the moment given the difference in angles of the drive shaft. That and that it didn't rear it's ugly head until after I got it lifted.

 

The 3" lift is what starts the vibration! Ingage 4x4 and see if it still does it!

 

Truth, and the thought has crossed my mind. Shouldn't rule it out until i've made certain.

 

I know I've been there 3" lift, and it started. Been there, done that!

 

Did ya fix it?

 

Welp... you were right (probably). It was slightly there when I went and drove it just now. Engaged 4x4 H and it was instantly gone. Odd thing is when i disengaged it didn't come back, still Needle Bearing suspect?

 

Keep driving a little longer and you'll get it again. I just got my driver side needle bearing kit from ECGS in the mail. I had same problem start up a couple of weeks ago. Good luck.

 

ooOOOo, can you link me? What was the price?

Being not super experienced with vehicles, why does this come and go with engaging the 4wd and even more oddly to me, disappear entirely when warm.

 

http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-8536125-toyota-8-clamshell-bushing-eliminates-needle-bearing.html

 

Sound like it to me, mine did the same thing. Try it a time are two, more and make sure but as soon as I read your post l had flashback to mine. Lots ofLuck!

 

I'd get the bushing and removal tool. You can get the Seal at the dealer for $17 (call them up) and install tool (brg/race) at harbor freight for $30

 

Yes!

 

Is the process difficult? It doesn't seem to be but again, not a car guy.

 

I haven't done it yet, but after replacing my own front wheel bearings (I didn't want to believe it was the needle bearing failure) and watching the vids doesn't seem too bad. With the right tools, you know. I'd watch the videos and then decide. Let me find another thread that I found helpful.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-and-adventures.362772/page-171#post-14019469

 

Do you have a link to the videos?