How long can I drive it with needle bearing vibes?

I'm having the ECGS bushing put in tomorrow at my local 4x4 shop which is 13 miles of 25-45 mph on mostly stop and go roads. Vibes feel as thought they've progressively gotten worse over the last 20 or so miles. So much so that it feels like the truck actually slows or drags a bit when when the vibration happens.

Am I ok to drive it or should I have it towed as I'm not really looking to cause any further damage.

 

Drive it!

 

Are you sure that it’s the needle bearing? It shouldn’t come and go it would be constant. If the roads aren’t too windy you could drive it there in 4Hi to get rid of the vibration.

 

When in doubt flatbed tow. If it is a bad bearing of any type moving the associated parts will damage surfaced.

As an example, relatively easy and cheap wheel bearing job can quickly escalate into significant and expensive parts damage.

Towing is cheap by comparison

 

Sorry to try to revive an old thread. I’m in the same boat and the vibrations suddenly got quite a bit worse and I’m getting the same “slowing down” feeling. I get the bushing done this week and the place is like 20 minutes away and involves mostly highway driving. Did you end up driving it and were there any issues that you found once you ended up installing the bushing? Thanks for any help!

 

Awesome thank you, the vibration getting worse made me more worried, I didn’t want to end up having to replace the diff since I don’t know if I’m under warranty plus the dealership might put up a fight since it’s lifted. Thank you, that gave me a little peace of mind!

 

Currently at just under 39k. Honestly I don’t remember, I bought it used. Is there a way to check or would I just have to call the dealership?

 

Scratch that sorry, simple google search. Nope my Toyota Care is expired

 

Definitely looking into it now, I see I’m eligible for Toyota Service Care so that would more than likely be a cheaper alternative to having to pay upfront. Do you recommend I just take it to my dealership first or get the bushing installed first then talk to the dealership? Sorry if that’s a dumb question, I’m new to being a “DIY mechanic” and I know basically nothing about this.

 

Had the same issue after a leveling kit at 48k miles, dealer replaced entire front differental.

 

Yep I have the Eibach Pro Truck Lift Stage 1 which is roughly 2 inches in the front and Wheelers 1.5” AAL. Stock tire size but wider wheels, moved up to an 8”. I’ve been avoiding the dealership like the plague since the lift, I didn’t even want to try an alignment with them.

 

Awesome, I will definitely do that. Thanks for all your help!

 

Did anyones warranty not cover the new clamshell bushing. How much was it to install if not