TRD Pro Skid Plate w/ Lift - oops?

Yeah that dealership definitely does. And they said they would have fixed it if they had installed the lift. They even said they could tell it was a professional job. Pretty irritating, especially considering that these trucks are ALWAYS lifted!

 

You have to understand their position. Toyota will not warranty any modified vehicle. If the dealer is doing the lift they accepting that if you have an issue they will take care of it. If you go somewhere else and have the lift done why would you expect the dealership to help you out?

 

I totally understand the position, but my understanding is that this part fails in both lifted and unlifted vehicles, and probably borders on recall territory. That said, this is a situation where a faulty part is the issue, not damage from a lift. And in the case where it was professionally installed, and acknowledged as such, it’s an easy call in my opinion for a Toyota to make an exception. Honestly, how much do you think this would cost Toyota in aggregate? The bigger question is why don’t they correct this with new models if the TSB fix is an aftermarket piece??

So really I don’t think it’s on the Dealership as much as it’s on Toyota to cover this. But again, this is very specific to a known issue with a part, and not some freak damage that Toyota has no control over.

 

The part is more prone to failure on lifted truck and is actually very common. The part has failed on non lifted trucks but is not a common issue, unless poll TW members. For the average Tacoma owner (let's say 80%) that doesn't lift his truck, doesn't off road and runs stock tire size it just doesn't happen that often. Toyota has many TSBs that will never be recalls.

 

Which leads me to believe that the cost to fix would be well worth it to Toyota to strengthen customer experience. But still, why not fix it for good with new production?

 

Because it doesn't occur enough to make it worth their while (cost). They have other concerns that effect the mainstream Tacoma owners such as squeaky leaf spring and rear differential leaks that happen much more frequent so those issues will get addressed first.

 

Ha- I don’t think this is a decision based on priority. Seems pretty simple to me. Build new Tacoma, use different bearing. Problem solved. Maybe I’m missing something?

 

It's not enough of a problem to warrant their attention.

 

Is your truck a 4x4?

 

I'm a firm believer that maintaining the stock rake is important even with a lift, geometrically speaking.I know some prefer a level look or even the bro look but keeping the rear 1" higher works for me. $.02

 

A lot of people either do the ecgs and never have problems, people do it before they lift the truck (me), or install the ecgs during lift. Mine cost 150 to install from ecgs and other shops do it around 250+ range. Some toyota Dealerships even carry the the ecgs in stock.

Toyota is an asshole for continuing to use this needle bearing but it's just how it is...next time in the future if you lift another vehicle ask the forums what problems can occur after a lift.

But hey you got it done free so....lol

 

Yes it is.

 

Put it in 4wd and see if the symptoms go away or not.

 

Apparently they revised the bearing and made it wider for ‘15 MY on up but that obviously didn’t work. I can’t believe that they can’t redesign and use the same type of bearing that on the passenger side.

 

Yeah I did and it has already been confirmed and repaired. Thanks!

 

Sounds like Toyota has some ‘splainin to do, especially since the reason for their denial of your warranty work had to be provided to you as a valid explanation showing cause. Uncle FTC and Magnu-Moss isn’t going to like it if they continue to blame needle bearing failures by pointing their fingers at us and blaming our lifts. It isn’t going to look good in court if they are blaming lifts for the failure when Toyota dealers are also doing lifts.

Its good You got the shop to fix it, but I wonder if this is a new Toyota trend for the rest of us?

 

I would love to see this sort of thing be corrected by Toyota. I am a loyal Toyota customer for many good reasons, and I would like to continue as such.

 

Thats good business practice right there.



Also good on ya for talking with the shop in a cool calm manor.