[FIXED] Vibrations started immediately after lifting (2018 DCOR - Bilstein 6112 + 5160)

Hello TW

Last week I got the Bilstein 6112 + 5160 installed on my 2018 DC OR. Overall, very happy with it. The on and off road performance is excellent. The only issue is that new vibrations have started.

Install:

• Bilstein 6112 Front Coil/Struts
• Bilstein 5160 Rear Shocks
• ARB/OME EL096R (Heavy) Leaf Springs
• ARB/OME Leaf Spring Bushings
• ARB U-Bolts × 4
• Carrier Bearing Drop Kit

UCAs are stock. I have not dropped the diff. Also have not installed the ECGS bushings, but I don't think this is the issue as the vibs continue even in 4wd.

Symptoms:

• Vibrations are most pronounced between 10-60 km/h (6-40 mph). For example when accelerating from being stopped at a light and decelerating to stop at a light both have almost constant vibrations until I get above 60.
• Vibrations are felt mainly through the steering wheel
• Vibrations happen when accelerating or decelerating between that 10-60 zone
• Vibrations remain even in 4wd

I'm thinking the first thing to try is removing the carrier bearing drop kit and see if that helps at all. Second would be the ECGS bushings just in case. Any other ideas to help me get to the bottom of this?

Remedy:

• Installed 1/2 carrier bearing drop - still had vibrations
• Installed 2.5 degree shims on the rear axle - VIBRATIONS GONE!

Hard to say if it would be good with just the shims and no CB drop, but I'm not messing with it anymore

Thanks!!

 

1. Did you also put new tires on at the same time ? If yes, try a set of factory tires / rims and see if shake and vibrations are still there.
2. Stock tires still on - measure angles of driveline.

 

The EL095R should be the medium duty and the EL096R are the heavy.

My understanding is if the vibration goes away when you put it in 4wd, then it is the front pilot bearing, so that may be one way to verify.

I'm getting ready to do the same install of 6112/5160 with EL095R leaf packs. I also purchased the ECGS bushing just to have that covered.

 

I

 

Hello!?
Fix the problem sir?

 

Hey thanks for all the feedback.

1. No I was using the same tires before and after. They are 265/65R17 BFG KO2s.
2. I have ordered an inclinometer so I can measure the angles of the driveline. What angles am I looking for?

Correct - the EL096R are installed. Thanks for catching that.
The vibration does not go away in 4wd.

Do you have a link to these axle shims? Do most people use them for a 2" lift on a 3rd gen?

Cheers

 

I have

 

how many miles on your truck ? are your u joints all good ?

 

Throw in some shims and/or a carrier bearing drop. You’re probably looking at axle wrap and/or incorrect drive line angles. It’ll take some time but you’ll get it worked out.

 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=f1m-Fh5kiRU

Are used this video to measure my driveline, I had to use a flat plate to mount om my differential to find the pinion angle. I purchased a two, 2.5, and 3° shim, and the rear suspension set up should have gave me about 2 1/4 inches of height. According to suspension experts you should use about 1° per inch. When I measured my truck after they lift I had 3 inches extra in the rear. We installed a 2.5° shim because I’m hoping the truck will settle till about 2 1/2 inch lift. From everything I read, you do not want less than a .5° angle on the U joint, because the grease or not circulate in the joint properly. When I measured my working angles, I had a 3.6° difference and if my suspension would not settle, 3° would be perfect, would leave me .6° difference. Since the Dakar heavy leaf springs you installed will probably give you the same angles as me....i would go with a 3 degree shim and will probably take care of shakes.....leave off the carrier bearing drop.

 

Get an alignment done?

 

I'll check the shims to make sure nothing is backwards. Sounds like I should start with the 2* shims?

17,000km (11,000mi). I THINK the u joints should be ok?

Already have a 1/2" carrier bearing drop. Should I try to remove this and see if it improves? Or is it more likely that I need the CB drop and axle shims?

Inclinometer should arrive on Saturday so I can measure angles.

 

OK thank you.

Yup. Here are the results.

 

This is what I was thinking. waiting to see if there was a balance issue involved but no new tires.
Any kinda work like this done if you can get one before and after.

With a trusted shop! if not capable of doing ones self.

 

Hmmm
Curious what will be the outcome.

 

Turn the bass down you monster.

 

I would pull out CB drop - according to the video I posted and other things I’ve read your first shaft is stationary and in proper alignment of your transfer case (@.5 degrees) . If you lower your center bearing now you have two shafts that are out of line. Technically you will increase the angle on the front shaft while decreasing the angle on the back shaft, if you’re lucky you might decrease your vibrations. So by removing the CBD drops you’re in a better starting point in my Opinion

 

Confirming there are no shims right now.

1. I'll remove the CB drop this weekend and see how it goes.
2. When the gadget arrives I'll properly measure the angles.

Is it fair to say the likely end setup is no CB drop and add 2 or 3 degree shims?

 

yep thats what i am guessing

 

Alright, I got the inclinometer and measured some angles. This is what I have right now, with the CB drop still installed.



If I removed the CB drop, angle C will get closer to 90 (which I think is good), but the difference between A & B will also increase (bad)

Do you still recommend remove CB drop and install shims. Or leave the CB drop and add shims?

Thanks!