Needle Bearing Failure With Lift (How Many)

MDFM31 · Oct 16, 2022

2016 ~1" lift all around. Added bushing at the same time. Noticably less slop just wiggling by hand.

shotgunbilly420 · Oct 16, 2022

Harvo[OP] initial post: ↑

This forum has a decent percentage of 3rd gen owners who lift their trucks (whether to take off road or not). It is a well documented fact on TW that the driver side needle bearing fails on some trucks when lifted. (And in a smaller amount without a lift). It would be interesting to hear from as many people as possible, who have lifted their 3rd gens, and find out if they have experienced (or are experiencing) noise or vibes from the front end that are likely caused by the needle bearing issue. Also to hear from those who have lifted and experienced NO issues as stated above.

It could show a very rough estimated percentage of trucks that get away with a lift without experiencing the issues and the ones that have the failures due to lift. This could be used to either convince MORE people that the bushing fix is practically mandatory, or give others a more calculated risk factor of not doing the mod. As someone who is about choose a lift / lift height / and needle bearing delete ... I know this info would be telling.

It would be great to keep the info you post to only include
Year 16 or 17
Amount lifted
Vibes / Noise (bearing issue) or not
If you did the Bushing mod before you had an issue... mention that as well

Hopefully this will gather useful info.
Click to expand...

I'm a 2017 with 173k mi. I have had a 3"front 2"rear lift previously installed, currently have rc 6" lift with 315/75/16s. I've been on many trips , involving many miles , and still have original needle bearing .

I'm original owner.

Old Man Tan 4x4 · Oct 17, 2022

2017 with 77k
Installed OME ~2.5inch lift with medium leaf pack at 68k, had immediate needle bearing vibes, confirmed with putting into 4Hi and vibes went away.
Just got around to installing the ECGS bushing this weekend at 77k, solved the issue, totally worth it

Jays19TRD · Oct 17, 2022

2019 with 32k
Installed elka 2.5s with icon leaf pack. Immediate vibes and had bearing replaced and all good now. That was 10k miles ago.

BenWA · Oct 17, 2022

I just stumbled upon this thread because I’m about to by a 2022 TRD OR — I’m the guy who started the thread in the 2nd gen forum years ago that inspired ECGS to create the bushing fix. I have to say it’s disappointing to read that it’s still an issue with 3rd gens and that Toyota has offered no real support to those with bearing issues or a redesign to prevent the problem from occurring in the first place. Makes me think twice about plans to lift a new truck.

Junkhead · Oct 17, 2022

BenWA said: ↑

I just stumbled upon this thread because I’m about to by a 2022 TRD OR — I’m the guy who started the thread in the 2nd gen forum years ago that inspired ECGS to create the bushing fix. I have to say it’s disappointing to read that it’s still an issue with 3rd gens and that Toyota has offered no real support to those with bearing issues or a redesign to prevent the problem from occurring in the first place. Makes me think twice about plans to lift a new truck.
Click to expand...

Lifted my truck 2”. Stock needle bearings are just fine and I’m not easy on my truck.

TacomaMike25 · Jun 1, 2023

Lifting this weekend with TRD lift kit set at 1inch. Still wondering how the trail and trd pros dont have this issue and they are lifted from toyota.

nglescobar1992 · Jun 1, 2023

3.5 inch rough country and leaf pack in the rear, no issues

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Needle Bearing Failure With Lift (How Many)

Have you experienced front end vides or needle bearing failure after lifting your truck?

Yes

No

I installed the bushing when I installed the lift

#381
MDFM31 Well-Known Member

#382
shotgunbilly420 OG Owner 230k+mi club/Tacoma enthusiast

#383
Old Man Tan 4x4 Well-Known Member

#384
Jays19TRD Well-Known Member

#385
BenWA Well-Known Member

#386
Junkhead TRDude

#387
TacomaMike25 Well-Known Member

#388
nglescobar1992 Well-Known Member

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Welcome to Tacoma World!

Needle Bearing Failure With Lift (How Many)

Have you experienced front end vides or needle bearing failure after lifting your truck?

Yes

No

I installed the bushing when I installed the lift

#381 MDFM31 Well-Known Member

#382 shotgunbilly420 OG Owner 230k+mi club/Tacoma enthusiast

#383 Old Man Tan 4x4 Well-Known Member

#384 Jays19TRD Well-Known Member

#385 BenWA Well-Known Member

#386 Junkhead TRDude

#387 TacomaMike25 Well-Known Member

#388 nglescobar1992 Well-Known Member

Products Discussed in Entire Site Forum: 3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)

#381
MDFM31 Well-Known Member

#382
shotgunbilly420 OG Owner 230k+mi club/Tacoma enthusiast

#383
Old Man Tan 4x4 Well-Known Member

#384
Jays19TRD Well-Known Member

#385
BenWA Well-Known Member

#386
Junkhead TRDude

#387
TacomaMike25 Well-Known Member

#388
nglescobar1992 Well-Known Member

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