Lift Vibrations

[LOSTR4]

I recently installed an ICON kit with remote reservoirs on the front and the standard 2.0 springs out back. It's performed flawlessly until just recently after rotating my tires. The rear of the 4runner has a vibration between 30-40 mph and it's not the tires. I had them re-balanced with the rotation and had them re-re-balanced again after noticing the vibration. The tires look fine and have no bulges. I even swapped the tires back around and the issue has not been alleviated. The lower control links on the rear are OEM...Would throwing on some adjustable Metal Tech versions eliminate any pinion angle problems i may be facing? Tires are Toyo ATII 265/70/17 and I still have a subtle rake with the lift until the front bumper makes it. What do you suggest is the cause of the vibrations? I have tried everything related to the tires but I am thinking it may be from the 4runner finally settling. Any help will be appreciated.

 

[nevada]

does the vibration go away over that speed?

its the tires.

 

[ebg18t]

can you describe the vibration a little more? Does it increase/decrease with speed? Does it seem to be on one side vs the other; front vs rear?

 

[LOSTR4]

The vibrations stop past 40 mph. I felt the vibrations were on the passenger rear. I swapped the tires around on the rear to eliminate the possibility of the tires and doing so changed nothing. I still have the vibrations. It is very subtle...not like a tire wobble. Shops are stating it is a drivetrain pinion problem due to the lift. I don't think they're correct, but they have been stating that they have seen many Tacomas sharing the exact vibration after lifts. They swap in the longer control links on the rear and the vibrations disappear.

I am wondering if anyone has experienced similar vibrations after small lifts. I've taken the tires off and inspected each one, lowered and raised air pressures and still feel vibrations...it's not consistent either...it will start vibrating (while holding the speeds) and stop, start again still moving at speed and stop. Can it be driveline pinion problems?

 

[ebg18t]

Does the vibration/sound change at all when turning?

 

[LOSTR4]

Does the vibration/sound change at all when turning?

Negative. Turning down the roads at speed doesn't change anything. All front CV axles are dry and right. The 4Runner only has 28k miles on it and all services have been taken care of including consistent greasing of the drive shaft at oil change intervals...zero leaks too...

 

[fourwd1]

.... Shops are stating it is a drivetrain pinion problem due to the lift. I don't think they're correct, but they have been stating that they have seen many Tacomas sharing the exact vibration after lifts. They swap in the longer control links on the rear and the vibrations disappear.

I am wondering if anyone has experienced similar vibrations after small lifts. I've taken the tires off and inspected each one, lowered and raised air pressures and still feel vibrations...it's not consistent either...it will start vibrating (while holding the speeds) and stop, start again still moving at speed and stop. Can it be driveline pinion problems?

A bad pinion angle caused by a suspension lift can absolutely cause vibrations, and they will typically be at some particular speed range.
Just like what you're having.

 

[LOSTR4]

A bad pinion angle caused by a suspension lift can absolutely cause vibrations, and they will typically be at some particular speed range.
Just like what you're having.

Noted...to remedy this vibration issue, installing MetalTech's adjustable long arm rear links will fix this. Is that safe to assume?

 

[fourwd1]

I'm not that familiar with their stuff, but of it returns the pinion angle to normal the vibes should go away.

 

[Jeremy556]

...but they have been stating that they have seen many Tacomas sharing the exact vibration after lifts. They swap in the longer control links on the rear and the vibrations disappear.

Tacos have leafs, no control arms and generally their vibes are fixed with an aftermarket drive shaft.

 

[ebg18t]

If you had longer lower arms, wouldn't you need a longer drive shaft?

 

[LOSTR4]

I have no idea if a longer drive shaft would be needed; I understand why it's suggested as you'd be yoked out damn near. I'm not sure where to start. It was suggested that the longer control links would help bring everything into plumb...that is the least expensive and I understand how it could bring the axle and drive shaft back into a non-binding orientation.

 

[chaz]

so you had absolutely no problems (vibrations) at all with the new lift installed until you rotated the tires? I assume you rechecked the wheel spacers for torque at the same time.

 

[LOSTR4]

so you had absolutely no problems (vibrations) at all with the new lift installed until you rotated the tires? I assume you checked the wheel spacers at the same time.

Correct, zero problems after initial install of lift for approximately 5k miles. After the rotation the vibration was felt. Wheel spacers have been consistently check to the 82ft/lb standard. After the rotation I automatically assumed it was indeed a wheel balance issue but after checking, and re-checking 3 total times the wheels and tires were inspected and balanced to near perfect. Because the vibration is inconsistent (not occurring the entire time while driving at the speed it occurs at) I ruled out the tires and wheels and checked the spacers an equal amount of times. Specialized off-road shops stated it has to be the drive-line pinions. Because it is a relatively new lift, the springs may have finally settled and now causes the vibrations. I don't want to have to buy something (longer control links) if it's not going to make the vibration better. driving more and more it feels its in the center out at the rear...

 

[LTDSC]

I had accidentally switched around my tires when i installed my coilovers and caused a vibrations. I switched them back and it went away. I'd get your wheels re-balanced first then see. Wear patterns in the tires previously that are now wearing at a different way/shape/form can cause vibrations. If you let it go itll wear itself smooth. For what its worth, i have same size lift as you and no issues. I know it can vary from vehicle to vehicle but i wouldnt worry about a drive line.

 

[LOSTR4]

I had accidentally switched around my tires when i installed my coilovers and caused a vibrations. I switched them back and it went away. I'd get your wheels re-balanced first then see. Wear patterns in the tires previously that are now wearing at a different way/shape/form can cause vibrations. If you let it go itll wear itself smooth. For what its worth, i have same size lift as you and no issues. I know it can vary from vehicle to vehicle but i wouldnt worry about a drive line.

That sir is what I needed to hear! I appreciate your advice and I know others have my same lift. Thank you LTDSC! I will continue driving and see if it remedies itself.

 

[LTDSC]

That sir is what I needed to hear! I appreciate your advice and I know others have my same lift. Thank you LTDSC! I will continue driving and see if it remedies itself.

If not, worst case go get them rebalanced. Shouldnt be anything serious.