99 4Runner 2wd
87,000 mi

I installed OME 891's with the N86 Shocks in the rear last night and had to run out for a quick second to the store with just the rear lifted. I noticed the vibration after I got over 50 mph and let off of the gas. I figured it was just because the angle of the driveshaft was so great that it was grinding on something and it would go away after I finished the front up today. Well I got the front completed and took it for a test run. Let me just say that this is a 1000% increase in ride quality over the stock suspension! Except for this vibration, which remains after the full lift. I feel it in my feet after I let off the gas. I have read about the angles in the u-joints causing the driveshaft to vibrate. I just am uncertian where to start to troubleshoot this problem.

1) I was going to try and lubicate the u-joints to see if this helps. I can not find any fittings on the u-joints to lubricate. Can anyone point me in the right direction on this.
2) Have someone inspect the u-joints to they are not damaged/worn out.
Does anyone in the Atlanta area know of someone they would recommend?
3) I have read of folks lowering the trans crossmember https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...72&postcount=9 to fix the problem. Has anyone else had to do this?

It is not really a terrible vibration, but I don't want to damage anything either. Anyone have any input. Thanks.

 

Lubing Your Driveshaft

The only vibration I have had and fixed was U-Joint related. I had my 4Runner lifted for about 3 years before that happened. I was able to feel the wear/notch in the rear U-Joint when I turned the driveshaft by hand; pretty noticable.

 

Someone had mentioned at one time that the 2wd versions had permanently lubed u-joints.

You should also check the u-joints for damage/wear.
If you have a panhard bar you should check that angle and get a drop if needed to correct the angle.

 

It is my opinion that lifting without dropping the panhard bracket or getting a longer rod will cause driveline vibration. Talk to Schaefer he can fix you up.

 

Thanks Jim, as ususal I already have Steve fabbing a bracket for me. Should be here later this week. I figured since it happened after the rear lift, it was probably tracking wrong and this could have been the cause. I just wasn't sure. Hopefully this will take care of it. Thanks again Jim!

 

Geez....no credit.
Hope you get it fixed.

 

Is this driveline vibe problem only for 3rd Gens?

 

Sorry I left you off my thank you list Jamie. Props to being on the right track...no pun intended I ALWAYS get good advice on this forum. Folks like you make yotatech what it is

 

Must be, my 2nd gen has no vibration problem after installing rear OME coils and no panhard bracket.

 

Not sure, but it is a problem on this 3rd Gen

 

Ok...Cuz I have some kind of vibe after the OME coils, but I think it might be my wheel bearings, I just don't know what feels like driveline vibes, and what feels like shot wheel bearings

 

I have been talking to Steve Schaeffer and he told me that he has never heard of driveline vibration issues on a 2wd 4Runner. Has anyone else experienced this when lifting a 2wd? I have TRD Coils in front with N91S and 891/N86 out back. Like I said before, the vibration started after the rear lift. I am trying to find this noise but have been unsuccessful. Anyone????

 

I went to a "driveline specialist" today. I was rather dissapointed. He did not want to take a test ride to feel the problem I have been having. He said the angles on the driveline are probably off because of the lift...(sarcasm on) ya think? (sarcasm off) He said I should contact OME directly and ask them what to do. I got the feeling he didn't want to try and troubleshoot my problem so I just cut it short and left. I guess I'll just have to live with it or take the lift out, which I really do not want to do. I was hoping this would be a common enough problem that I could find some help from some of the local shops. Guess not

 

Have you gotten a drop for the panhard bar yet?
You could try just removing the rear springs, try the stock ones and drive it to see if there is still a vibration.
If it is gone, that would be a good pointer that the angle was indeed the cause and not something else.

 

I have all sorts of angle on my rear driveline, more so than most, and as long as I keep it lubricated there is no vibration due to the shaft. Over lubricating the slip joint will cause it to vibrate as well, as for needing a drop bracket to prevent vibration???? i'll just say I still don't have one, not because it's not needed, but because I have other plans on my rear suspension, in the works.

 

I have one ordered from Steve. Should be here this week. I know it is a result of the lift. I put the rears in and drove the truck before I put the fronts on...that is when it all started. I even re-did the rear making sure everthing was straight. No change. It is noticeable in my feet around 40-50 moh. It sounds like grinding as a result of the vibration. Thanks Jamie.

Well I got better than 3" of lift on the 2wd suspension. Unfortunately there is no lubricating the driveshaft on a 2wd In fact I can not find where I can lubricate anything in the driveline. I hope the panhard drop fixes the problem...somehow with the luck I have been having I doubt it Thanks Bruce!

 

The panhard drop may or may not fix it but it will keep you from having other problems resulting from that much lift. It could also be a wheel bearing as well so that is also something to look at. I would try the stock springs again to see if that causes a reduction in the vibration. If you are actually hearing a grinding sound at speed you may need to use a chassis microphone setup to pinpoint where exactly the noise is coming from....which should eb the cause of this vibration as well. It is a tough one.

 

I figured, especially on a 2wd the angle might be extreme but I haven't heard any complaining of a driveshaft vibration so I had some reservations about saying a panhard drop would fix it for sure. Let us know how it turns out.

 

My 2000 2WD has been lifted close to 3 inches since March of 2003, and I don't have the problem that you mentioned. Granted, I could probably use a panhard drop bracket b/c I'm sure mine is a little off too but I dont' have the problem that you listed. Unless I am too used to it or too dumb to notice. Both are a possibility. I definitely have vibrations, but I am pretty sure that they are caued by my tires as they are always better after a rotation. Mine also shakes a lot less since I removed my brush guard. Maybe I should look into getting a panhard bracket. Keep us posted.

 

I'll be anxiously awaiting the verdict as I don't buy the idea that it's being caused by the panhard. I would say you have a bad ujoint and lifting made it more apparent. I know I've got a bad joint, the one at the companion flange in the rear because when i pulled the shaft it binds and doesn't rotate freely, it also clinks when taking off and changing direction.