ECGS Bushing - Is it a must?

I had an alignment, it’s not balance (vibration started on old tires that had no vibration before I put the 5100’s in). All was good and it drove perfectly before the 5100’s. Two hours later after doing it, the vibration is there. U-Joints good too. Im going to do the ECGS, but my money is on the driveline.

 

shims should be the change before dropping the carrier bearing. That is a last resort since the front driveline going into the transmission should never technically be anything but straight how it was stock. Tacomas have 2-piece drivelines that allow the rear to be addressed without touching the carrier bearing (again, a last resort fix).
I chased vibes forever on multiple Tacomas.

needle bearing being fixed with ECGS clamshell bushing and shims in the rear always fixed the problem when needed after a lift

 

The carrier bearing isn't a "last resort" lol. It's a very simple fix to head off *possible* driveline vibrations.

Agree with the shims, that's a good starting point.

 

Looking at the particular kit, it doesn’t look like any carrier bearing or diff drop is included. Calling my shop to ask. Easy enough to add it now. My off road will be more like dirt roads/ fire roads. Thanks for the heads up.

 

I have a bunch of washers on my CB. And the CB is flipped as well.

 

The key to fixing this is knowing what your DL angles were before you lifted. You can compare those to the angles after the lift and then shim to get them back in spec.

 

I have spent some pretty significant time with drivelines vibes. If you read up on driveline issues with Tacomas you will find that the front piece of the driveline should only change from its stock angle/location if it has to. The rear driveline piece is the one that moves

it is the proper way to do it



https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/driveshaft-angles-what-size-shims.377558/#post-10363382

 

Yup, that pic represents the best way to correct driveline angles. Another way to fix the angle from trans output to center support bearing is replacing motor mounts and trans mounts. When the motor mounts wear, the trans output rises creating more of an angle.

 

That's a great graphic.

 

great point! Although, an obnoxious task

 

I have an intermittent hum that is most noticeable going around 30 mph (hum half a second, quiet for 2 seconds).

Started after a 2.5 inch lift in front. Should I try a diff drop first? Seems like an easy thing to test out before getting into replacing the bush.

Curious on any success stories with front diff drops.

 

If you off road even the tiniest bit, skip the diff drop.

Intermittent hums.... Check your tire wear (chalk test) also inspect your CV boots. Sometimes they can wear prematurely before a moderate lift settles. (Ask me how I know). Also did you get an alignment done after your lift? (And what lift is it)

Any lift in the rear?

 

I do off road, so I get your point. Though I would try this before anything since it’s easily reversible.

Rotating tires and trying out different pressures did not get rid of the hum.

I tried getting an alignment but shop told me they rather do it with new set of cam bolts since mine (they said) are probably seized.

I probably should be prioritizing the alignment since I do have observable positive camber.

The lift is all Eibach stage one. I have a 2.7 so got between 2.5 and 3 inches in front. It has probable settled to 2.5.

 

What you are describing is pretty much exactly what I had after I my Ironman lift was installed. The ECGS bushing cured it completely.

Have you tried switching to 4hi while the humming is happening?

If the humming stops in 4hi that is fairly diagnostic and typically means the ECGS route is the way to go.

 

Sounds like it's time for new cam bolts since they're "probably" seized (and a new shop because of those guys didn't know by looking at them.....)

 

One of the reasons I went with factory approved dealer installed lift when I purchased the truck

 

Is that even an option for a bloke like me with a 2014?

 

No but you're fine with the 16,000 aftermarket offerings.

 

For 99% of Tacoma owners, that factory lift is perfect. Had it been an option when I bought my truck I probably would have gotten it as well knowing I would eventually upgrade down the line but having the piece of mind of warranty covered factory lift giving me room to run a little bit larger tires for quite a while

 

No. Consider yourself lucky.