Front Diff ECGS Bushing - Any Alternatives?

My Tundra's front differential needle bearing is making the tell tale noise. My plan was to replace it with the ECGS bushing, until I got a quote from them. For the bushing, install tool and removal tool, plus shipping it's $225. Add onto that they only ship FedEx, which means I will get hit with a huge brokerage fee when it crosses the border (unlike USPS - but they won't ship that way). All said and done, I can probably buy a used front differential for the same price, of course that's a gamble.

I found another bushing on the Nitro Gear and Axle website. I have emailed them for the shipping options, as their price is a little bit higher, but if they ship USPS, I will save in the end. Has anyone used this Nitro Gear bushing? Or am I better off just to pay the piper and get it from ECGS?

https://www.nitro-gear.com/Toyota-Clamshell-Stub-Axle-Bushing-p/akt9r.htm

Or is there any other alternative to fixing this noisy diff?

 

Since it won't let me post in the marketplace yet, if someone has the ECGs install and removal tool they are willing to sell, please let me know.

 

I wish I could help. I may be facing the same issue..

 

Find someone local on the forum to ECGS and ask them to usps it.

Otherwise, hit up some FB pages for the tool who would send it.

 

If you’re willing to pay the mailman both ways, I’ll lend you the ECGS removal tool and home-spun install tool that a buddy and I made on his lathe. I think a reasonable deposit would be fair, refundable when I get the tools back. Send me a PM if you’re interested, I’m on the top side of the 49th as well.

 

Thank you! I sent you a PM.

 

Anyone have any input on the Nitro bushing? I am still waiting on a quote from them. I am hoping they will offer a more reasonable shipping option.

ECGS sent me a quote for the bushing alone and the shipping is still apparently $70 for that tiny bushing! I have bought tons of stuff from the US and never seen such high shipping prices. i\If I can work out a deal to borrow LandPhil's tools, then I will save a ton on the brokerage fees and taxes. I only need the tools one time anyway.

 

FWIW, I’ve been screwed to the tune of several hundred by USPS trying to get small stuff to the great nation of Canada. Sucks all around. FedEx is definitely ridiculous though.

 

Toytec put the nitro in mine. They don’t do many in tundras but I bet they do as many tacomas as anybody.

 

Update to this thread. For Canadian members, check out Overland Outfitters Canada:

https://overlandoutfitters.ca/?matc...T0TJk267Uba6jtRNctJnQXMoUmLQ0PtRoCTeUQAvD_BwE

I was able to order the new bushing, removal and install tool for way cheaper than ordering directly from ECGS. The website only lists the bushing for Tundras, but if you contact them, they can order the tools too. There was a two week wait to get the tools, but I am in no rush. I was dealing with Spencer and he was very helpful.

 

Dangit! I forgot all about this… Too little to think about, too much time. Sorry about that.

I still don’t mind lending them, but sounds like you have it covered. If not, let me know.

 

No problem, I appreciate the offer. I figured with the high price of shipping, it is probably not much cheaper for me to borrow the tools pay for shipping there and back, versus buying the tools and paying shipping one way. I got the stuff in the mail yesterday, so I will hopefully get the job done before the end of summer.

 

Just to update this thread, I ended up getting the job done and what a difference it made. The front diff is dead silent now.

If anyone in Canada needs the tool for a 9" clamshell install, PM me and I will lend. My only rule would be that it is taken care of and used the way is is supposed to be used. I think I'd have the same rules as French Toasty who also lends the tool for the gen 1 trucks. When the tool is returned, send something local to you along with it and you have to pay the shipping there and back.

 

What did you find out about the nitro vs ecgs bushing? Is it the same thing?

 

No, I didn't buying the Nitro bushing. I ended up finding the ECGS bushing and tool from Overland Outfitters in Canada, so the shipping costs were reasonable.

 

Ah gotcha. The shop that replaced mine ordered directly from Nitro when he ordered my gears. I checked, and the part looks identical, and the description was the exact same for both the Nitro and ECGS bushings, so I assumed they are the same part.

 

Does anyone have the removal and installation tools for the 7.5" ECGS bushing? TIA.

 

I have a 2010 tundra. Is mine the 9”?

 

Yes, it would be the same as my 08