1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Front diff drop question

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by Cat3ILS, Feb 26, 2017.

  1. Feb 26, 2017 at 3:05 PM
    #1
    Cat3ILS

    Cat3ILS [OP] The cheese goes on the bottom bun

    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2017
    Member:
    #5768
    Messages:
    266
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2014 platinum CrewMax 4x4 5.7L - white
    2.5 level, 285 Toyo OC, Or-Fab trans/cat skid, X2 Revolver, ESP storage, Husky's, Lock'er Down safe, OCD organizer, Interior LED's (red drivers), Glove and safe motion LED's, Rhino lined
    Have a leveling kit going in next week and have two questions:

    1- Confirm a diff drop is needed/good idea for a 2.5ish" level?
    2- How does the diff clear the frame cross member? The rear drivers side portion of the diff appears to sit above the frame. I'm clearly missing something here. Can see where the two spacers go, but how do they do any good if the cross member blocks a part of the diff below it?

    Help me out boys!
     
  2. Feb 26, 2017 at 3:19 PM
    #2
    CM-LENNY

    CM-LENNY No Complaints

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2016
    Member:
    #4379
    Messages:
    1,250
    Gender:
    Male
    San Diego, CA
    Vehicle:
    2015 4x4 CrewMax SR5
    PRO shocks, 37's Nitto G2's 4:88 diffs, few other mods
    It is very beneficial even on the 2-1/2" lift. It just lowers the front section of the diff where the axles come out. Tilts it forward at a slight angle. Cheap insurance to do it.
     
    csuviper and Cat3ILS[QUOTED][OP] like this.
  3. Feb 26, 2017 at 3:23 PM
    #3
    Cat3ILS

    Cat3ILS [OP] The cheese goes on the bottom bun

    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2017
    Member:
    #5768
    Messages:
    266
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2014 platinum CrewMax 4x4 5.7L - white
    2.5 level, 285 Toyo OC, Or-Fab trans/cat skid, X2 Revolver, ESP storage, Husky's, Lock'er Down safe, OCD organizer, Interior LED's (red drivers), Glove and safe motion LED's, Rhino lined
    Ok CM, I think I got it. So the portion of the diff in the pic below remains where it is. It's just the front that drops? Kind of rotates?

    Tundra%20diff_zps8gukl6mr_71fe5dd3bde3d8400625bb4b808fdaf6352af026.jpg
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Apr 23, 2017
  4. Feb 26, 2017 at 3:30 PM
    #4
    CM-LENNY

    CM-LENNY No Complaints

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2016
    Member:
    #4379
    Messages:
    1,250
    Gender:
    Male
    San Diego, CA
    Vehicle:
    2015 4x4 CrewMax SR5
    PRO shocks, 37's Nitto G2's 4:88 diffs, few other mods
    That's correct. The diff mounts on 4 heavy bushing ( isolators ), and you just put spacers under the forward two.
     
    Cat3ILS[OP] likes this.
  5. Feb 26, 2017 at 3:38 PM
    #5
    Cat3ILS

    Cat3ILS [OP] The cheese goes on the bottom bun

    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2017
    Member:
    #5768
    Messages:
    266
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2014 platinum CrewMax 4x4 5.7L - white
    2.5 level, 285 Toyo OC, Or-Fab trans/cat skid, X2 Revolver, ESP storage, Husky's, Lock'er Down safe, OCD organizer, Interior LED's (red drivers), Glove and safe motion LED's, Rhino lined
    Can't thank you enough for info! This forum is great and y'all have helped me a lot.

    Cheers.
     
    geno0506 and TXMiamiFan like this.
  6. Feb 26, 2017 at 3:40 PM
    #6
    CM-LENNY

    CM-LENNY No Complaints

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2016
    Member:
    #4379
    Messages:
    1,250
    Gender:
    Male
    San Diego, CA
    Vehicle:
    2015 4x4 CrewMax SR5
    PRO shocks, 37's Nitto G2's 4:88 diffs, few other mods
    Drop some pics once that leveling kit goes on. I have learned so much from the great folks on this sight and try to help when I can........
     
    geno0506, Law323 and Cat3ILS[OP] like this.
  7. Feb 26, 2017 at 3:41 PM
    #7
    TheBeast

    TheBeast The Beach

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2016
    Member:
    #3246
    Messages:
    12,521
    Gender:
    Male
    SoCal
    Vehicle:
    2012
    good to go
     
    Cat3ILS[OP] likes this.
  8. Feb 28, 2017 at 1:54 PM
    #8
    YotaDan

    YotaDan New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 15, 2016
    Member:
    #2689
    Messages:
    111
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Grants Pass, Oregon
  9. Feb 28, 2017 at 2:32 PM
    #9
    louscrw

    louscrw all jacked up on Mt. Dew

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2016
    Member:
    #4829
    Messages:
    1,297
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Lou
    Warner Robins, Ga
    Vehicle:
    2023 F150 Raptor
    Don't forget to carrier bolt spacers. @ToyTec Lifts sells the kit for about $12, if I remember correctly.
     
    Cat3ILS[OP] and Toytec Lifts like this.
  10. Feb 28, 2017 at 2:43 PM
    #10
    Toytec Lifts

    Toytec Lifts New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2014
    Member:
    #7
    Messages:
    876
    Denver, CO.
  11. Feb 28, 2017 at 2:48 PM
    #11
    joem1cha3l

    joem1cha3l New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 27, 2016
    Member:
    #4013
    Messages:
    1,957
    Albany, NY
    Vehicle:
    2016 Double Cab SR5 Blazing Blue Pearl
    BOSS Suspension, DB Customz Grill, 35's, Spyder, Tint, Color matched corners
    The carrier bearing drop is a MUST HAVE in my opinion. It changed my truck.
     
    Cat3ILS[OP] and Toytec Lifts like this.
  12. Feb 28, 2017 at 4:11 PM
    #12
    dumbassdave

    dumbassdave Member

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2016
    Member:
    #3517
    Messages:
    333
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dave
    Vehicle:
    2016 Crewmax Limited
    Can I ask how things changed after? I didnt do a carrier bearing drop in my Tundra or Tacoma. What am I missing out on!!???
     
  13. Feb 28, 2017 at 4:24 PM
    #13
    CM-LENNY

    CM-LENNY No Complaints

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2016
    Member:
    #4379
    Messages:
    1,250
    Gender:
    Male
    San Diego, CA
    Vehicle:
    2015 4x4 CrewMax SR5
    PRO shocks, 37's Nitto G2's 4:88 diffs, few other mods
    Depends if you are lifted in the rear or not. No rear lift = no need for the drop. If you are lifted, the spacer puts the driveline back to a better angle just like the front diff drop kit does.
     
    Cat3ILS[OP] likes this.
  14. Feb 28, 2017 at 4:26 PM
    #14
    dumbassdave

    dumbassdave Member

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2016
    Member:
    #3517
    Messages:
    333
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dave
    Vehicle:
    2016 Crewmax Limited
    Does it feel or drive any differently? I'm up 1" in the back and I'm always looking for more stuff to do to my Tundra.
     
  15. Feb 28, 2017 at 4:47 PM
    #15
    joem1cha3l

    joem1cha3l New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 27, 2016
    Member:
    #4013
    Messages:
    1,957
    Albany, NY
    Vehicle:
    2016 Double Cab SR5 Blazing Blue Pearl
    BOSS Suspension, DB Customz Grill, 35's, Spyder, Tint, Color matched corners
    After I installed my boss kit I had a pretty crappy shake at start and stop that was very noticeable.

    Installed the carrier bearing drop and it completely went away. I would have spent $100 on that spacer lol
     
    Cat3ILS[OP] likes this.
  16. Mar 1, 2017 at 1:23 PM
    #16
    joem1cha3l

    joem1cha3l New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 27, 2016
    Member:
    #4013
    Messages:
    1,957
    Albany, NY
    Vehicle:
    2016 Double Cab SR5 Blazing Blue Pearl
    BOSS Suspension, DB Customz Grill, 35's, Spyder, Tint, Color matched corners
    Yeah, I went 3/1. I had a 2" spacer lift with differential drop and I had no issues. IMO it's not necessary for that application Steve but up to you.
     
    SouthBoundSteve likes this.
  17. Mar 1, 2017 at 1:24 PM
    #17
    BlueBottle

    BlueBottle not a PRO

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2016
    Member:
    #4572
    Messages:
    5,084
    Vehicle:
    '16 Platinum 4x4
    See fine print
    At 2.5" you can get away without it. That's my thought.

    Here is a pic of my diff drop also showing the spacers for the skid. Like everyone says it only lowers the front mounts.
    7F8A45FA-BEBF-4250-886E-B30F0A4DB609_zps_0b72135cac801b2c359ce396e16a51bd75456491.jpg
     
    Cat3ILS[OP] and SouthBoundSteve like this.
  18. Mar 1, 2017 at 1:27 PM
    #18
    831Tun

    831Tun heartless Bastrd

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2016
    Member:
    #3549
    Messages:
    11,580
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Warren
    Santa Cruz
    Vehicle:
    '16 CM limited
    TC long travel. Deaver 420 SU leaf packs.
    No need for CB drop, just the diff drop. At 2" you don't have to do the diff drop but it help with the CV angles.
     
    SouthBoundSteve likes this.
  19. Mar 1, 2017 at 1:31 PM
    #19
    csuviper

    csuviper Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2014
    Member:
    #38
    Messages:
    17,283
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brian
    Broomfield, CO
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD Sport CM 5.7L 4X4
    Some Mods :) See build thread for details
    Exactly as everyone said here. Here is my recommended add on items per lift height.

    Diff drop at 2.5"+ front lift
    UCAs at 3"+ front lift
    Carrier bearing drop at 1.25"+ rear lift
     
    Cat3ILS[OP], CM-LENNY, 831Tun and 2 others like this.
  20. Mar 1, 2017 at 1:37 PM
    #20
    csuviper

    csuviper Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2014
    Member:
    #38
    Messages:
    17,283
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brian
    Broomfield, CO
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD Sport CM 5.7L 4X4
    Some Mods :) See build thread for details
    I do not currently have the carrier bearing drop on mine at 1" rear lift. Have not felt the need to add. Don't notice a shutter at start or stop.
     
    SouthBoundSteve likes this.
  21. Mar 1, 2017 at 3:38 PM
    #21
    831Tun

    831Tun heartless Bastrd

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2016
    Member:
    #3549
    Messages:
    11,580
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Warren
    Santa Cruz
    Vehicle:
    '16 CM limited
    TC long travel. Deaver 420 SU leaf packs.
    Thanks for posting those #'s Brian. I'm at +1" in the rear too and haven't added the CB drop, even though I've got one. Like you said, I haven't felt the need. But, it's nice to have confirmation.
     
    SouthBoundSteve likes this.
  22. Mar 8, 2017 at 11:20 PM
    #22
    Cat3ILS

    Cat3ILS [OP] The cheese goes on the bottom bun

    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2017
    Member:
    #5768
    Messages:
    266
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2014 platinum CrewMax 4x4 5.7L - white
    2.5 level, 285 Toyo OC, Or-Fab trans/cat skid, X2 Revolver, ESP storage, Husky's, Lock'er Down safe, OCD organizer, Interior LED's (red drivers), Glove and safe motion LED's, Rhino lined
    Leveled yesterday with the diff drop and skid spacers. So long icky rake! 18's will go on later but loving the 285 Toyo OC's for now. Appreciate all the advice and insight :bowdown:

    Tundra%20leveling%202_zpshpm6ehxg_e027a32c6c8342b4566eb1a62f77f481df602674.jpg

    Tundra_leveling_3_zpsjnvfow1y_2fd3c6d72d261c03e785ccadd21edbc7fabdd043.jpg
     
    Last edited: Apr 23, 2017
  23. Mar 9, 2017 at 4:19 AM
    #23
    SOB

    SOB Big Member

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2017
    Member:
    #5873
    Messages:
    393
    Gender:
    Male
    Ohio
    Vehicle:
    2013 Red Crew Max Platinum
    Could someone please explain what this means more? Will there be vibrations, wear on the CV shafts,...what does it really mean? I don't do any real off-roading but I'm looking to put 5100s up front to level. I would like to know if I truly need the diff drop, and what it means if I don't do it.
     
  24. Mar 9, 2017 at 6:48 AM
    #24
    831Tun

    831Tun heartless Bastrd

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2016
    Member:
    #3549
    Messages:
    11,580
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Warren
    Santa Cruz
    Vehicle:
    '16 CM limited
    TC long travel. Deaver 420 SU leaf packs.
    You don't need to install a diff drop with 5100s, even at highest setting. I didn't when I had them. The diff drop just helps to reduce potential stress and wear on the CVs. Diff drops are only $20-$40 so it's cheap insurance even with 5100s but not necessary.
     
  25. Apr 23, 2017 at 10:00 PM
    #25
    geno0506

    geno0506 New Member

    Joined:
    May 25, 2016
    Member:
    #3446
    Messages:
    4,722
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Michael
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra 5.7 CM 4x4, S/W, B-6112/5160
    Love that stance, mine is almost identical with my 6112's on top setting and I haven't done anything in rear but the 5160's, still have the CB #2 shackles but waiting till after my new 18" wheels and tires go on this week to decide, I kinda like the rake gone too!
     
    Cat3ILS[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  26. Apr 23, 2017 at 10:30 PM
    #26
    Cat3ILS

    Cat3ILS [OP] The cheese goes on the bottom bun

    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2017
    Member:
    #5768
    Messages:
    266
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2014 platinum CrewMax 4x4 5.7L - white
    2.5 level, 285 Toyo OC, Or-Fab trans/cat skid, X2 Revolver, ESP storage, Husky's, Lock'er Down safe, OCD organizer, Interior LED's (red drivers), Glove and safe motion LED's, Rhino lined
    Yeah I didn't do anything to the rear since I still have the 20's. The level and new OC's were the best I could do without spending on new wheels right now. Can't wait to see those new 18's riding under the Bilsteins so post up when they go on :headbang:
     
    geno0506 likes this.
  27. Apr 23, 2017 at 11:20 PM
    #27
    geno0506

    geno0506 New Member

    Joined:
    May 25, 2016
    Member:
    #3446
    Messages:
    4,722
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Michael
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra 5.7 CM 4x4, S/W, B-6112/5160
    :thumbsup:
     
  28. Apr 24, 2017 at 9:30 AM
    #28
    Cat3ILS

    Cat3ILS [OP] The cheese goes on the bottom bun

    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2017
    Member:
    #5768
    Messages:
    266
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2014 platinum CrewMax 4x4 5.7L - white
    2.5 level, 285 Toyo OC, Or-Fab trans/cat skid, X2 Revolver, ESP storage, Husky's, Lock'er Down safe, OCD organizer, Interior LED's (red drivers), Glove and safe motion LED's, Rhino lined
    Awe c'mon my Brother...what do they teach you in those East Coast Fire Houses? :facepalm: :drunk::drunk::D
    Ya can't taste the cheese if it's on the top of the burger baby!
     

Products Discussed in

To Top