Diff Howl/ ECGS Bushing Install 3rd Gen.

I have a 2-1/2" level kit with a front diff growl. I have diff spacers installed.

Finally got around to doing this, Toyota may fix this in the future but it was driving me crazy.

On some 2nd and 3rd gen trucks when lifting the front left axle bearing would growl when unloaded. There's a TSB, which updates the bearing with a new style, this doesn't apply to the new trucks but we tried it on mine anyway. It reduces the feel of the vibration but doesn't completely fix the issue.

So this is my second time doing the bearing replacement and it only took me ~20 minutes.







It has removed nearly all of the vibes that I felt in my left foot while driving! Very happy with the aftermarket in this situation, Toyota may fix it, but I don't see it happening shortly.

I didn't drain the oil this time, but I still removed the extra skid plate to prevent the run off from dripping into it.

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

 

If they didn't fix it in the third generation release I don't see them fixing it ever. Maybe in 10 years when gen 4 comes out they will have a different front differentiall and the problem will be gone. In the mean time the ECGS bushing is the only fix.

 

You have a Diff Drop installed did you say?

 

I have a second gen with a 2.5" lift and am doing the ECGS swap. Do I still need diff drop kit? I installed the wheelers diff drop and It is causing fitment issues with my front skid...

 

Nope

 

I am getting the feeling that you view these diff drops as basically useless... Is this accurate?

 

Yes not needed on a 2nd Gen

 

Thank you sir.

 

Is a complete flush, top-off, or neither required when installing the bushing? Looks like some oil comes out, assuming at the minimum a top-off is required? What oil did you guys go with? Our owner's manual and ECGS' instructions on oil specs differ.

Also, is replacing the seal a must, how many of you did just to be safe?