Vibration after adding a leaf to the rear

According to the dealer, its the shocks making the bumping noise, this was proved by removing the shock, doing some measurements, putting it back on. That's the bumping noise. The vibration, they said that 'could' be the shocks but think before doing anything else, put different shocks on that have more travel. They said they could add the carrier bearing drop in just a few minutes but from their measurements, it doesn't look like that would be the issue, so try the shocks first. Even if I have them remove the add-a-leaf, the shocks will be very near the limit, so that would be a good purchase anyway.

So the plan, new shocks, then see how it drives.

Will report back after the shocks.

 

Ive never heard of shocks causing a vibration. 99.9 percent of the time its because of the drive shaft angle.
Incorrect shock lengthnwould be causing more of a banging noise or thump.

 

Right. So, I'm getting shocks anyway. If I get the shocks and the vibration is still there, I'm going to see the ride is. If it still rides like a covered wagon, the add-a-leaf comes out and the angle returns to what it originally was.

If the ride is good and there is still a vibration, they'll add the carrier bearing drop.

 

BTW, the add-a-leaf did jack the backend up about 2"

 

3 degree axle shim and a carrier bearing drop kit.

 

Do you still have the 2” block? If you do take a pic of it and post it here. It’s most likely a tapered block. A tapered block gives similar results to adding axle shims to your current leaf pack while maintaining the factory ride. Yes, the factory springs are soft but you can always add Timbren Bump stops for those times you do load the bed. I bought my ‘15 certified used a few years ago. The dealer installed a 2” tapered block. I then removed it and added 3 leaf aals and got slight take off vibes ever since. Not too much to stress over though.

I see a lot of full size Chevys and Fords at work with factory installed blocks and never heard of any issues with them. They may have better factory springs though.

 

Update. Removed the ReadyLift add-a-leaf, added Bilstein shocks to the rear. No more vibration, no more super-stiff ride. All is well.

 

Im confused. What was the point of the aal in the first place?

 

Based on some noise was hearing when carrying a load in the bed of the truck, I was told AAL was a good idea. Had that added, noise didn't change and the ride got stiffer. Can't say necessarily that it improved load capacity because I didn't have anything to carry right after I put the leaf in. Overall, after the 2" lift, it pushed the stock shocks to the limit very easily, which is where the noise was coming from. AAL actually added some height and therefore the vibration it appears.

 

Yes,Tacomas are super finicky with vibes if you do even the smallest lift.

 

They are right, it's the driveshaft. have the same problem on my 2000 Tacoma with 3 inch AAL in the rear and bilstein 2.5 coil overs up front. If you looks at the where the drive shaft slips into the yoke you will see it's not perfectly straight, hence the carrier bearing drop. I feel like an idiot, thought it was axle wrap and it technically is but its caused by the carrier bearing now being too high. Thanks everybody for this info, I knew it had to do with the driveline. Kudos to all you taco and 4runner lovers.

Oh and BUMP