Small cracks on both sides, 97 lx ~119. All stock, rackless from factory, light off road.
Cracking in "C" pillars (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter cruiserdan
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My data point: '97 LX450, 70k mi, mild to moderate occasional wheeling but primarily highway/city use, no sign of cracks or rust on DS or PS.
rgsiii
SILVER Star
1994 with 124,000 miles and no cracks.
1997 40th, 148K miles, pristine mall cruiser never off-roaded 
. I got this with 75K miles on it and had read the AUS accounts of cracking pretty soon thereafter so I had checked for this in 2002. I had them, 2-3 mm, on each side and they haven't changed since.
Mike
. I got this with 75K miles on it and had read the AUS accounts of cracking pretty soon thereafter so I had checked for this in 2002. I had them, 2-3 mm, on each side and they haven't changed since. Mike
Just checked this afternoon:
No cracks on either side.
One observation the PS radius was very small, almost a sharp edge. The DS was a much larger radius (in comparison), I would estimate around 0.5 to 1.0 mm. I could see and feel a big difference.
1997, 109,000 miles, First 89,000 no off-road (my best guess from talking with the PO) and light off-road since.
No cracks on either side.
One observation the PS radius was very small, almost a sharp edge. The DS was a much larger radius (in comparison), I would estimate around 0.5 to 1.0 mm. I could see and feel a big difference.1997, 109,000 miles, First 89,000 no off-road (my best guess from talking with the PO) and light off-road since.
pleased to report...
1994 3rd owner. no visible cracks observed. 109K miles. last 30K miles with full roofrack and spare up top.
1994 3rd owner. no visible cracks observed. 109K miles. last 30K miles with full roofrack and spare up top.
I'm no expert, but i doubt this is anything to worry about other than the rust.
Went and looked; both sides have it, 3/8s to a 1/4 inch long, small amount of rust, 140,000 miles.
I pulled the trim inside and took a quick look, inside access does not look good, there is an opening that the seat bolt reel sits in that may proovide access if the reel is removed did nto get that far yesterday.
96' light wheeling, fast (as it gets hwy), no rack and no cracks... I guess the additional strain from that bus tranny is showing other weaknesses.
checked last night, no evidence of cracking that I can see on either side. 96 with 110k, light off road no factory roof rack, but yakima bars that sometimes hold a kayak or similar weight, nothing too heavy...
My '97 with 97K on it is showing no signs of cracking on either side. I just put the OME suspension on it a couple months ago, I'll keep an eye on it to see if they develop now.
Doesn't seem to be a function of any kind of design change over the years, but more of time in use / mileage. Which is maybe why the earlier trucks are seeing this, simply because they're older and have more miles on them. But also many of the newer trucks as well with higher mileages are being reported (I see several `97 trucks represented here with cracks, including some Lexii).
BTW, is it possible the metal itself is not cracked, but collapsed in such a way that just the paint cracked and allowed the rust (for those that developed rust). I assume Toyota puts no flex agent in their paint since it's going over sheet metal. Obviously, still a weak point, but maybe not an opening in the metal itself (which is what I would like to believe).
Thanks,
BTW, is it possible the metal itself is not cracked, but collapsed in such a way that just the paint cracked and allowed the rust (for those that developed rust). I assume Toyota puts no flex agent in their paint since it's going over sheet metal. Obviously, still a weak point, but maybe not an opening in the metal itself (which is what I would like to believe).
Thanks,
dclee said:
That's my assumption. But i guess we won't know for sure until someone disassembles the area and has a close look.
dclee, you can actually SEE the cracks...
Arya, on mine it looks like a crack in the paint more than in the sheet metal, that's why i was assuming it was not as bad as some were making it out to be.
97 with 134k on the clock with a small crack on DS. There is a little rust stain at the crack. Even if the small crack isn't a big deal, how should the rust be handled?
Buck
Buck
More data: l996, lockers, stock susoension, original owner, factory rack rcently removed, 63,00 miles ,highway, dirt roads, nothing yet. Always parked in heated garage except during excursions. Could temperature changes play an additional role in this? Or just age and use? Will watch and inform you.
