Diff drop / needle bearing

so i am going to install the new trd shocks all around (2" in front) and a 1.25" block in the rear...i'm super nervous about the needle bearing problem that happens to some and desperately want to avoid it....so my question is....if i install the diff drop and carrier bearing drop will i increase my odds of having said problem?....

 

The bushing is $60.
Get it.
Then you have zero chance of having the issue.

 

i'm not concerned with the cost....its the installation that i dread...

 

There’s nothing difficult about it.

 

Getting the cv axle out is the hardest part.

 

Diff drops are pointless for 3rd gens.

 

My 13 with 100k has been on a 3 inch lift or above for 80k miles or so. I did the diff drop spacers and that is about it. I have +2 longer control arms and archive shock relocations in the rear. My truck has a good bit more droop than stock. Thus far the only thing to rear its head is my carrier bearing making a super irritating vibration in low rpm, which a tom woods solid drive shaft will take care of. Bearings on my rear diff are good, and my front diff is leak free so i am assuming the needle bearings are still good. I think tacomas are generally good for a 3 inch lift before you really start to have to even consider worrying about issues.

 

Dropping the diff decreases the CV angles, how is that pointless on a 3rd gen?

 

well......if i go ahead and install the ecgs bushing then should i still do the diff drop to avoid unnecessary wear due to odd angles?

 

and the carrier bearing?

 

minimally. The spacers lower the front mounting arms, but fail to address the third mount in the rear, closer to the axis which the CV’s spin. It’s been debunked 1000+ times here. They were useful for 1st gens, they’re an add-on ‘upsell’ for manufacturers for 2nd and 3rd gens.

 

I’ve read on the forum that the diff drop just tilts the diff forward more than actually dropping it

i’m not looking forward to the bushing install either, looks like it could get stressful without a few specialized tools

 

You should be able to rent the tools from autozone ( or equivalent). It’s usually free to rent.

 

Good to know, thanks. I'll get under the truck and take a better look.

I have one installed on my 2021... And that required also lowering the skid plate... Maybe I should remove the diff drop and push my skids back up.

 

I'm lifted 2.7" in the front and 4" in the rear with no vibration issues. Had to spend $6 in hose clamps to do the CV boot slide mod though.

 

yep.... turning nuts and bolts for a lift is one thing.... pulling geared parts from a sealed housing and putting the removal tool inside where it could drop in and all that jazz is a whole nother story

 

i'll probably just do the lift and pray for no vibes.....if they do come then address the bearing....or maybe drive off a cliff

 

Do the ecgs clam shell bushing while the front end is apart. You will be happy you did this. Also I had a local well known 4wd shop who does tons of lifts, very informative shop who recommends a front diff drop and the rear carrier drop to limit the the vibrations and get the angles back in spec. I use the 5100s and a rear 1.5 tapered block. I had all this done, with new 265/70/17 Toyo AT2 and zero issues. Why, because it was done correctly and by someone who knows a lot more about the lifts than I and who does numerous Toyotas. Everyone uses this shop where I live. Three years and still 100% happy!