Bent front end?

[Kerozin]

Hi all,

Just recently bought beaten up '95 Hilux 2.8 diesel double cab with solid front axle on government auction.

Didn't have a place to store it so it ended on one of my friends property who just had to take it for a joy ride and hit something in the process. Of course he's denying everything so I don't know what really happend

Well steering wheel is now off center around 30 degrees to the right. Right tire blew up, Michelin XZL 7.5R16 which is supposed to have strong sidewalls. There are two holes on the outer sidewall and not a trace anywhere else. There's no damage to the rim (not even a scratch) however those are toyota split rims (with ring) and I've been told those are almost unbendable.

So does anyone have any idea what could be bent, what sould I look for?

I feel really bad now, didn't manage to make more than few km with hilux and It's already in worse shape then it was when I got it .

Thanks for any help!

 

[Bogo]

Look at the steering parts first. Then look at all the suspension mounting points. Also check to see if the axle has been shifted. That should be very hard to do, but it can be done. Check frame dimensions next. Get a copy of the FSM and it should have them in it.

 

[WristPin]

take various measurments and compare to the other side

if one side is leakin gear oil out thru the knuckle, that could be the bent side

its not uncommon to wheel the snot out of these things and end up with steering wheel in a different spot than you started.

mine was always all over the place after each trip

oh and you suck, cause i want your truck but cant have it welcome to mud

 

[Kerozin]

Look at the steering parts first. Then look at all the suspension mounting points. Also check to see if the axle has been shifted. That should be very hard to do, but it can be done. Check frame dimensions next. Get a copy of the FSM and it should have them in it.

After taking a quick look it seems front right spring hanger is little bent to the left, also since bushings are shot leaf is not on the middle of hanger but is also moved to the left and in direct contact with it.

Also there is only half of the lowest leaf in right leaf pack but judging by corrosion this leaf cracked long time ago.

Will make few more measurements and pictures since I don't have any experience with this kind of stuff.

 

[Jonathan_Ferguson]

Well steering wheel is now off center around 30 degrees to the right. Right tire blew up, Michelin XZL 7.5R16 which is supposed to have strong sidewalls.

You didn't mention if your steering wheel is on the correct side or not, but I don't know if it makes a difference. Anyway, the J Arm could be bent.
Anther test to do is to measure the Tierod length between the middle of each balljoint, which should measure exactly 1,200mm

 

[Kerozin]

take various measurments and compare to the other side

There's another identical hilux sitting next to mine so I can compare measures but to be honest I don't really know where to start. Are there any weak spots to check first?

if one side is leakin gear oil out thru the knuckle, that could be the bent side

Nope, no leak (for now)

its not uncommon to wheel the snot out of these things and end up with steering wheel in a different spot than you started.

I know it can happen but 30 degrees offset on steering wheel is just too much. Did quite a bit of wheeling in series 80 and Samurai and never experienced such huge difference.

oh and you suck, cause i want your truck but cant have it welcome to mud

Well your're not really missing anything Those cars came here with civil war in the mid 90's, served first with United Nations peace keepers and then for last 10 years with Red Cross in rural areas with almost no maintenance and they're are in really really bad shape now.

Here it is, cutting the spare tire off with angle grinder since everthing is so rusty

 

[freds40]

I would check for a bent tie rod, drag link, axle housing, frame, etc. Many different things that could have caused the issue.

 

[missouriman]

do you know the camo method of pulling the inner axles out?
you can pull them then shine a light through one side, looking in the other and see if it is bent.

also if it is bent the axle shafts will be hard to remove, the is the birfield will bind up even with the flats lined up.


you can leave the drive shaft and third member mounted.

you don't have to drain the diff oil.

here is a write up I did a while back.

Bh4Wheelers Forum - toyota front tear down/check.

 

[Kerozin]

Did few measurements yesterday and compared to another hilux, can't find anything wrong/bent for now. Drag link is ok (120cm), distances between front axle and and rear axle hubs are the same on both sides. Distance between front leaf hangers is also ok however right one looks bent but as I can remember it was always like that.

Also is that knuckle arm supposed to get so close to upper bump stop to leave grease/mud mix on it?

And one more picture for fun... leaf springs on my friends hilux. Stiffest suspension ever which even puts my Samurai to shame.