Vibration after adding a leaf to the rear

2020 Tacoma Sport
3" ReadyLift in Front, 2" Readylift in the front

Had a dealer add a ReadyLift add-a-leaf which added about 1.5-2.0 of lift in the back.

I've noticed now that when I accelerate from a dead stop, a vibration that goes away at 15+ MPG and I never feel it when accelerating while moving at some mph.

I've also noticed that if I push down on the tailgate like I'm trying to bounce the back of the truck, there is a bumping noise which seems to be coming from under the truck about midway up the vehicle.

Could the new leaf spring be causing this? (The vibration or bumping)?

Thanks!

 

Did you do the Carrier Bearing drop kit?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/needle-bearing-yes-replace-it-ecgs.716338/page-2#post-25492506

 

Looking at the dealers itemized list, I don't see that on there.

 

I am pretty sure they won't recommend anything, they just do what you want them to

 

Since I am not pleased with the overall quality of the ride, I suppose the cheapest thing to do is have them remove the add-a-leaf to take it back to the lift it was. Off the top of my head, I don't believe I felt the vibration with just the 2" block lift...maybe because it was somewhat level with the front (not sure that's the science of it).

 

Typically, lifting changes angles which can induce drivetrain vibration. The items you need to make it right, aren't expensive, but if you don't like the ride in the first place, then spacer lift on stock suspension might be for you.

 

Is everything tight and correctly installed? Sounds like it's time to inspect and find out what's bumping

 

No see, its going to cost me at least double. 1. The cost of buying the add-a-leaf and having it installed. 2. The cost of having the add-a-leaf removed 3. The amount of money I now have to hand my wife that equals 1 and 2.

 

Check the torque on your ubolts.

 

lol, you are right about that. I was making the suggestion to fix the problem, might be economical. How about taking it back and asking them to tell you why there is a vibration, they may cut you a break.

 

I 2nd this. The angle of the driveline has changed. I had to add a spacer on my driveshaft carrier bearing. The part is 30 bucks and is only 2 bolts

 

I'll see if they can check this out tomorrow. I'm not sure this is related to the noise I hear when I push the tailgate up and down or not but I know when I hit any bump in the road I can hear a booming sound coming from the rear end area....sort of like what you'd hear if the backend was bouncing and had no suspension. I knew the ride would be stiffer, but this is a bit more than I can tolerate because I don't carry loads in it all the time.

 

Vibration is likely your angles being off. Do like @Unchained 5150 said...$30 for carrier bearing drop. Installs in minutes. As far as bumping, sounds like something was not torqued proper. Check your spare was raised all the way.
Side note, you now lifted the rear 3-4". What are you running for shocks back there and hope you got longer brake lines. Probably need longer lines and 5125s or something longer than stock back there. Good luck let us know

 

Running standard OEM shocks. I was wondering if that noise was the shocks hitting the top of their limit. Standard brake lines. Looks like I may just be having them remove the add-a-leaf with all this crap going on, don't need it that bad anyway.

 

Take it back and have the dealer solve the noise problem. Maybe they hosed the AAL install. With a 2" block and AAL your driveline angles are hosed and you may need a carrier bearing drop and/or axle shims to solve the vibration.

 

https://www.bilsteinlifts.com/shop/...rier-bearing-drop-kit-for-2005-toyota-tacoma/
Doubt its your shocks. There should be enough room in the shocks to compress and somewhat extend. Just dont take it on any sick jumps! You will eventually want to swap the shocks out IMO for something with the correct length. I don't think you need extended brake lines unless you plan on wheeling it.

 

Carrier bearing for sure.

Coming from an Xterra, do you guys also ever use shims with leaf packs? A 3 degree ahim always solved vibration issues in the X when i replaced leaf packs or did an aal.

 

Sounds like a stock suspension might be the best choice for you

 

I used a carrier bearing drop and called it good lol