Two carrier bearings in less than a year

I’ve got a 2015 Texas Edition (basically a TRD) that I purchased in 2017 as a rebuilt. Truck was smacked pretty hard in the front nose. I bought it once it was rebuilt. I’ve had it for two years and have put about 40k miles on it. The only issue has been a fairly significant driveshaft vibration. The truck does have some sort of lift it sits about 2 or 3 inches taller than stock. After reading many posts on this forum I figured I had the same problem that a lot guys here have had with lifted Tacomas. Less than a year ago my mechanic installed an axle shim or wedge and replaced the carrier bearing which was in rough shape even though it only had 30k on it. He also lowered the CB to align the driveshaft as good as could be by eye. This reduced the vibe to where it was hardly noticeable and only it you really stomped on the gas. Fast forward 10 months and 25k miles or so and the replaced CB is already shot and the vibe is back in full force.

I know something could be causing this as a result of it being involved in and accident. But I would say all of the descriptions on here about the same issues with lifted Tacos match mine perfectly.

I have read where some guys also changed out all their Ujoints as well and claimed it made a difference.

Just looking for some info and thoughts from you guys. I am probably going to try another CB and replace all my Ujoints first. If it wrecks another CB then I will have to see if possibly the driveshaft was tweaked during the accident.

I will say that if I place it in 4WD the vibe pretty much goes away.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

Did he/you use a factory carrier or aftermarket? I've personally never had luck with aftermarket ones lasting very long.

There may be something to the u-joints. If it was me, if the carrier really is toast (which it may be) I'd spring for a factory one or at least a decent one with Koyo bearings, get new u-joints and have the driveshaft balanced. It would eliminate any possibility that is the issue.

Being wrecked it's possible the frame isn't straight anymore. Also if it really goes away in 4WD you might not have any issue with the rear driveshaft but need clamshell or wheel bearings in front.

 

If you are lifted, this is the answer

https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-8536125-toyota-8-clamshell-bushing-eliminates-needle-bearing.html

 

He needs to look it up and I couldn’t remember so the next CB will be an OEM. There is no obvious frame damage but I know it wouldn’t take much. All doors and everything lines up good, tires wear good and it goes down the road straight. For what little I paid for it I would gladly put a new CB in it every 6months and still be ahead but that vibration on take off drives me nuts. Of coarse my wife doesn’t notice it

 

If the main vibration was from your driveshaft or u-joints, your wife would definitely notice it.

Replace your needle bearing per @Shellshock .

Do you have photos of whatever is going on with your lift?

 

If the vibration goes away in 4x4 it’s def a bad needle bearing.

 

This is not the needle bearing issue. I am aware of that which is a slight vibration at certain speeds. I guess instead of a vibe I should describe it as a shudder. This is significant and is definitely coming from the driveshaft due to another worn out CB. Just trying to figure out why I’m going through CB. Don’t believe it is the needle bearing.