ECGS Bushing - Is it a must?

i have the TRD lift on my truck. I put it on myself and the dealer really wouldn't do anything for me with the needle bearing. If anything they are just going to replace the needle bearing with another needle bearing.

 

This just seems like a huge oversight on toyotas part. To sell something that is known to cause a failure of another part without offering a remedy for the failed part.

 

i 100% agree. I tried to see if they would replace the bearing and then just use my ECGS one but they wanted $700 to install and claimed 5hr for the replacement. i have seen videos of people do them on the ground with a floor jack in under an hour.

 

Would be nice if they had a updated part, mine needs to be replaced, and mine also falls under the TSB thats covered under powertrain warranty. But if they are just going to to put the same trash in i'll do it myself.

 

Yep, I timed myself at 33 minutes yesterday. First time using the ecgs seal driver/bearing driver as well, instead of just using random sockets that fit to drive the new bearing/seal in.

 

Without me reading any instructions was it like this?

Remove wheel
Remove 2 bolts for spindle to lower control arm
Yank axle out of diff while still attached to wheel bearing
Pull needle bearing, install bushing
Put axle back in
Bolt spindle to lower control arm
Install wheel.

 

We know. For some unknown reason they refuse to use a bushing.

Not really .... Other than jeeps sway bar disconnect, no manufacturers really have any 4x4 tech that's more advanced than any other.

No. The lifts put premature wear on the needle bearings but they don't wear them out at 10k.

 

Toyota has that hydraulic sway bar system in the 4Runners and Landcruisers.... possibly Lexus Atwell... sort of a sway bar disconnect system... in a way. It certainly has it advantages and it's draw backs... but yes you are correct... 4×4 tech is pretty universal. It is just implementation of the tech that differs from on brand to the next.

 

That's exactly how I did mine. I couldn't find a 35 mm socket to save my life, I just used this method.

Key benefit is not having to mess with tie rods or upper ball joints is a plus.

 

Kinda forgot about that. By comparison the Tacos are primitive.

But primitive.... Works. And is reliable.

 

Let us know what your experience with them is and what they charge. I had a really good experience with both customer service and price. It would be good to know if they are consistent.

 

Finally order my bushing today. Got the whole deal, bushing, seal, install and removal tools. Going to put it in as soon as it shows up.

I put in the comments "Can you draw a picture on the box?" too. Hope I get something cool

 

I have a new bushing and a tool that I made I’m looking to get rid of. Already used the tool once when removing my needle bearing so it does work. $70 shipped for anyone in the lower 48

 

I gambled on the bushing install yesterday when I did my Eibach stage 1 kit. I lost. Looks like I’ll be digging back into it lol. Should have known……

 

Challenge accepted lol

 

I installed the Tacoma OEM lift kit myself last summer using the topmost ring on the front shocks and a 2" AAL for the rear. Don't have any felt or audible needle bearing failure as of yet. Still have the ECGS bearing and install tools standing by if needed. I think I may be one of the few 'Taco owners here that doesn't have issues with the stock needle bearing.

 

Alright ill admit it, it took me 1.5 hours. About 30 mins to smack the bushing in, an hour to clean up my mess.

I installed it without removing the skid plates and axle nut. Also i didnt remove the out seal i found that an old tensioner pulley fit right over the seal so i didnt damage it when using the ecgs tool kit.

I only remove the stabilizer bar tie end and 2 lower ball joint bolts.

Fyi Toyota diff oil is 30 bucks for a liter geeeez.

I lifted the truck on the driver side so it didnt spill much oil

 

Really cool group of guys at ECGS and a fair price for the work they do. I live an hour and a half away so it was easier for me to have them do it than to pay for all the tools and risk screwing something up myself. They have a nice big sign by the front door that says no photos or videos so the sign at the end of the driveway was the best I could get.

 

Cool the work isnt difficult, if you have a lift im sure it would take like 20 mins

 

You buying the wrong diff oil then lol. Damn... 30 bucks a liter...