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Vibration and Droning Noise after 3" Lift

21807 Views 59 Replies 30 Participants Last post by  jonnycak
I could really use some advice...

I installed my ToyTec 3" lift 2 weeks ago and I immediately noticed a vibration and droning noise at speeds between 38 and 42 MPH. This problem has been frustrating to diagnose so I'm putting my dilemma out in the forum in the hopes that someone can help.

The vibration is not a shudder by any means but it can be felt on the floor, the gas pedal and mildly in the steering wheel as a high frequency vibration. It is also heard as a droning noise that seems more pronounced on the passenger side. It is felt when accelerating or decelerating or coasting in neutral at about 38-42MPH. Above and below these speeds, the vibration and droning are either non existent or hardly noticeable. I will say that after a week now, I notice both the vibration and droning getting worse and am starting to notice it near 20MPH. Again, it rides smooth as glass and nice and quiet upon shifting into 4WD.
1. I know that it is NOT the tires, the rims, or the rotors. I know this because the droning and vibration absolutely disappear upon shifting into 4WD and I had no issues when I rolled it into the garage, only when I rolled it back out after installation. No change with new BFG AT KO's or original Rugged Trails.

2. I also believe that it is NOT the Front end alignment because that was dialed in at the dealer immediately after the install... but my trust is in the dealership that it was done right and they reviewed the results with me, confirming the specs.

3. It's NOT the differential drop because I have the problem with or without the drop installed. The angles are not severe and the vibration is actually better without the drop installed.

4. We followed all of the installation instructions to the letter. We made no mistakes or removed any other components.
I'm going to a local garage next Friday and the mechanic felt that he could make a difference but he wants the truck all day. I'm not out to complain, rather I love the truck and the lift. I'm just looking for advice or information if anyone else has had this issue or helped resolve it. I just don't want to throw another $300 at this issue if the solution or adjustment is already known.

Thanks in advance!
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I felt a little vibration in my truck after I did my lift, wheels and tires and thought it was just the BFG's. But after about 1000 miles the vibration has gotten worse. I put on my stock wheels and tires and the sounds and vibration got worse. And I just put in my stock leaf springs last weekend thinking maybe something was wrong with my deavers, and that did not help at all either. Tomorrow I am putting it all back to stock and if I still have the vibration, its going into the dealership, ugh...
Um, do you guys have 4x4's is so you have to drop the diff. down or you will get a vibration because the CV's aren't aligned properly.
mine is a 2WD. I get my vibration slightly upon acceleration and from about 50mph all the way to a wobbly stop. All the vibration is coming from the rear end, too. The front is smooth 99% of the time
SinCityTaco said:
Um, do you guys have 4x4's is so you have to drop the diff. down or you will get a vibration because the CV's aren't aligned properly.
Problem exists with or without Diff Drop installed. Problem is worse with the diff drop installed. I'm not sure about anyone else, just my observations on my truck. I spent some time testing that to be sure.
Everyone can't have this problem when the lift their truck, can they? I would be very disappointed considering I have all my aftermarket crap already ordered and my truck is on its way, however I could cancel that pretty easily.
keep us informed on what the problem is and how to rectify it.
I really don't get how a 2wd can vibrate with just a front end lift. That as a matter of fact is baffeling. I wonder if it is going to end up as some kind of recall by toyota. I hope I don't get this problem with my 06'. I know everyone must not have this problem because there are a lot of happy people out there with lifted toyotas.
Alignment good?
are you guys **sure** that your u-joint angles are correct for both the front (where applicable) and rear prop shafts? they can be very touchy.

-Mike
I have Toytec's 3" kit with the diff drop and I have the same problem. I haven't really done much to diagnose it though.. Wheels/tires didn't make a difference. I'm guessing it's the driveshaft. Keep us updated if you find out what it is.

Megan
I had my alignment checked twice and everything was ok. I have the stock leaf springs back in and have the exact same vibration from the rear end. It almost feels like the rear axle is not straight. I'll put everything back to stock on my truck tomorrow and report if I still have any issues.
an alignment will not catch incorrect propeller shaft angles.

-Mike
NESW20 said:
an alignment will not catch incorrect propeller shaft angles.

-Mike
woulden't putting in the stock leaf springs make the propeller shaft angle the same as it would be is if it was stock?
if the entire suspension is going back to stock, then yes, it should correct the angles.

-Mike
So it sounds loke the problem is coming from the rear. If this is so what about people who haveonly done a coilover lift without lifting the rear?
NESW20 said:
are you guys **sure** that your u-joint angles are correct for both the front (where applicable) and rear prop shafts? they can be very touchy.

-Mike
When you say touchy, what exactly do you mean? When the Diff bolts are removed and the Diff Drop is installed (or removed), is there some Diff shifting in alignment when tightened back up?
Did anyone contact toytec yet? I was planning installing the same set-up this weekend, but very hesitant now.
I e-mailed this thread to Toytec.....hopefully they will be some help.
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