ECGS Needle Bearing Replacement Bushing

Hey guys, I was just wondering if anyone on here has installed one of the ECGS Bushings to aleviate the driver side CV play in the front diff. I just replaced the CV thinking that was the problem, but looks like it is the needle bearing/spider gear problem that seems to plague the 8" front diff. If you have installed one, did it work and how many miles have you driven with no signs of problems. Any info will be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

Well I guess I should have searched the forums for threads, it appears the questions have been answered several times over!

 

There is a bunch of guys who have done it. You always hear positive about the bushing. Some trucks need it and some do not.

 

Yup, I did a 1.75in lift with 5100's and stock OR coils on my 2013 w/ 10k miles. as well as a 1/4in top plate spacer to correct for some lean.... instantly noticed the cv vibes.

Bought the bushing, made the tool (which IMO works better than the ECGS as you dont have to stick a piece in then thread a bolt in it, possibly loosing the piece into the diff) pulled it out and put it all back together, no issues and vibes are gone.

Hardest part was getting the CV out of the diff.

 

Yea, I tried using a 3' pry bar, and the sledge hammer trick without budging the CV. We eventually got the tractor out and had to hit it 5 times before it popped out, it was in there good! I guess I will go ahead and order a bushing today.

nd4 you got a picture of the tool you made? $60 for a nut, bolt and 2 peices of scrap metal is a little bit more than I want to spend!

 

the extractor tools usually float around the forums when members do their bushing swap and sell the tool when they are done. look around first.

 

yeah when i get home today ill take a pic for you. Its rather simple, Just gotta keep in mind that OD of the bearing is 1.6in and ID is 1.4 then you can make the grabber part

But ill get you pics.

 

Here's a pic of mine:


It's made from 3/8 mild steel. OD is 1.580" and it's .950" wide. The lip is .120" thick and just a little more than that high.

HTH