Low Speed Shudder

My truck has had a low speed shudder for the last 85k. It usually happens under normal acceleration from a stop. Until recently it has started doing it right as the truck is coming to a stop.

Here’s what I know.
-It feels rotational or at least affected by rotation.
-It feels rubbery, meaning it doesn’t feel like metal on metal or like anything is grinding.
-Its silent, no noises
-From a stop to 10mph in 2WD (Normal or light acceleration)
-From 5mph to a stop in 2WD (Normal braking)
-ZERO shudder in 4WD

My Truck is a DCLB, with a 2.5” lift. I've done the ECGS bushing. I've done a carrier bearing drop, but that hasn’t had any affect on this shudder.

I am going to replace the rear driveshaft U-Joints and carrier bearing when I get a chance. I will also install 2.5d Shims.


Any Ideas?

 

Check and see if it’s your needle bearing in the front diff. ECGS makes a solid bushing to replace. Sounds like that since it goes away in 4wd and you’re lifted

 

Good call, But I have the ECGS bushing already installed, and it didn't have any affect on the shudder, after I installed it.

 

Ahhh alright, that's not it then. I'd also make sure the rear u-bolts are good and tight. Other than that, you might find some good info on driveline angles in here: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/drive-shaft-vibrations-solved-step-by-step.244535/

Good luck getting this sorted!

 

Could also be your rear springs,originals? The stock springs in these trucks are garbage.

 

It has Dakar Leaf packs, and they still sit about normal for the lift height.

 

I have something similar. I have been meaning to post. It feels more like a standard transmission jerking motion when driving in gears too low for speed. Or as if I am hauling a log that keeps bumping along the ground. Very light though. Mostly noticeable when I am accelerating from a stop.

 

I have to also. Taking off from a stop, there is a vibration. Doesn’t bother me. I have the Dakar medium…..and from everything that I read and understood it’s just the rear axle flexing under load as you accelerate.

 

Yeah I'm almost certain that I am just having a driveline vibration. Axle wrap just didnt explain it for me because it doesn't really vibrate that much if I take off quickly. Just overall confusing.

 

Mine has had the little jiggle/vibration right on take off since I bought my 2015 with 50k miles on it(stock). Its exactly how you guys are describing it. Only does it I would say 1 out of every 4 times I take off. Stayed the same when I added a 1 inch rear lift block and 5100s. I have heard of a ton of these trucks doing this stock. I talked to a well know driveline shop in my area who is a tacoma 4w4 guru. He suggested a small shim for the rear axle like many others have suggested. I think there is more to it to be honest. There are guys who have tried EVERYTHING to get rid of the take of vibration and have seen no success. Its hard to say its axle wrap because I can hammer the throttle from a stop and I really don't feel it. Only seems to happen on light to med takeoffs.

It goes away in 4x4 because the power delivery is now shared between the front and rear axles thus causing less power/stress to the rear end on take off.
I also have my ECGS done and this is way different from that issue.
I've also pulled the entire driveshaft and inspected all the u joints and CB. Everything was good.

 

There was also a thread on the 3rd gen forums about 2017 or 2018 and up TRD trucks having a rear axle shim from the factory. Toyota knows these trucks have had vibe issues for years.

 

It could be the transmission. It seems that the torque converter can start having issues going in and out of lockup. Put the shifter in 4th gear and see if it still happens. Search around on TW and you'll see where others have put ShudderFix in the transmission to solve this.

 

I drive in 4 all the time around town. Makes no difference.

 

I had take off shudder, added 2 deg shims when I put in new leafs last month. The take off shudder was better but not fixed, so I did a carrier drop, and my take off vibes stopped. At the time I realized my carrier is in bad shape. Now have mid speed shudder, like 10-40mph. Not as pronounced as the take off shudder, softer like you say.. I have the U-Joints being replaced, and doing the Ford Ranger carrier swap as we speak. I think its mostly the carrier bearing at this point.

 

@nemesis17592, if you have access to a GoPro or similar camera that you can mount under the truck to get some video while it's happening, it'll go a long way towards being able to confirm what it is/is not due to. Some good vids I've seen showing the carrier bearing moving around.

 

I recently experienced low speed vibrations. Changed the u-joints and bearing and it helped a little, but the shaking continued. It really fixed/stopped when I did various (4x) trans drain and fills. Do not have any more shudder issues..

Another user experienced similar symptoms as I did. He also had a good outcome changing the trans fluid. For further, refer to this thread https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/solved-shuttering-vibrating

*edit - linked correct thread

 

I've had that happen twice and both Ti es ot was either Ujoints or carrier or both. I just replaced all 3 Ujoints and the carrier, took me about 5 hours doing it all on my own and going slowly. Cost me $105 and a day of my personal time.

 

You're off to a good start, I would turn the radio up and maybe get a subwoofer. Takeoff shudder is really nothing to be concerned about, either punch it harder or just ignore it, at least that's what i've done in vehicles for the past 30 years. There are certain resonant frequencies that no matter what you do it is unavoidable depending on wheel/tire combo and lift size.

 

I had my driveshaft pulled and all the u joints checked and a trans service all at the same time. Made no difference. Same shop recommended trying shims as they agree its a pinion angle issue.

 

This is what I'm hoping for. I am installing shims in the next few days.