Need help with a weird rumble

Hey y’all,

about six months ago my Tacoma started doing this thing I haven’t been able to figure out yet. I have a second gen/4.0L/6mt with 220k and it’s been doing this clunky grinding on take off. It mostly only happens while engaging the clutch when the wheel is slightly turned to the left (Doesn’t happen as much when turned right). I have noticed it feel kinda funny a time or two while moving in 4lo or going very slow in 2hi, but it’s very inconsistent and is only noticeable at a crawl. Doesn’t normally happen when already moving and doesn’t happen while engaging the clutch in 4lo. There was actually a month or so in between where it didn’t do it at all. It never happens if you take off straight or turn the wheel harder when it starts rumbling. I have also noticed it doesn’t do it if I’m already rolling and try to do it while engaging the clutch in second gear. I’m pretty certain it’s the D/S cv axle. I did replace both two years ago with duralast re-man’s, but the P/S axle slung all the grease out last winter so I replaced it again two months ago. Thinking I’ll just do the other one too while I’m at it since its under warranty.

Any thoughts or diagnosis advice?

Thanks,
Teddy

 

Update:
Just inspected the front end and found that the D/S cv axle is definitely not right. It’s VERY loose on the end that goes in the differential. After some research, it seems that some people claim the play is normal, and the people having problems with their needle bearing seem to be mostly experiencing rumbles at cruising speeds and mine doesn’t really have any issues once it’s moving. Can anyone tell me that the ECGS bushing replacement might remedy this? My truck has gone more than 50k miles with a leveling kit before it had this issue so I don’t think the diff drop is necessary.

 

If I were to bet, I’d bet the ECGS Bushing would NOT fix your issue.
Your symptoms don’t sound like the majority of guys that have had to install the bushing.
Most of the time it’s a vibration around 40+ mph.

The play on the front D/S CV is “normal” to a degree.
Some are worse than others. Of course there can be too much play.
Honestly, since these trucks can vary so widely as to play.
It kind of one of those things you need to check when new, that way you can tell when it “really has play”.