Cracks around steering box

[hoser]

I saw this on another forum but have never heard of it as a problem on US 80's. Thought you guys might be interested in checking that area for cracks.
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"I am a member of the Toyota 4WD club in SA. Our technical officer, a mechanic by profession and an operator of a 4WD shop recently brought to the members attention that cracks had been discovered in a number of 80 Series Cruisers. These cracks appear around the steering box assembly.

He offered to put club members vehicles on his hoist and check. Of 11 vehicles inspected 2 had major cracks and 3 had minor cracking, which is a high fail rate .

I am sure there are plenty of 80 Series out there as tow vehicles. So if you are not aware of this issue it would be worth having this specifically checked next time it is in for a service"

 

[cruiserdan]

RHD or LHD? Looks like RHD to me.

Jon Held posted a pic of his 92 (LHD) where he welded his.

 

[ats4x4dotcom]

RHD it is very common on pre 95 models to do that, almost a given for offroad used with larger tyres to crack those places.

 

[hoser]

Yes, RHD.

 

[GXO]

I had cracks in the panhard mount up front...welded them up...

 

[Brian894X4]

This is somewhat of a problem on heavily wheeled SAS (solid axle swap) Toyota mini-trucks too. The solution is to add plate steel and weld up or brace the two frames togethers near the box.

The implication seems to be that this happens more on RHD vehicles? Why is that? Is the frame particularly weaker on that side or something?

 

[Sarmajor]

Cracking

Things would be stronger if Mr T welded all the way around the steering box mounting points where the tubes pass through the frame rails.

I have also had cracks in the top of the panhard mount wher it is welded to the frame rail.
I have an OME 2" lift and run 285/75R16 BFG Mud Terrains. Some of the wheeling is a bit rough but not extreme.

Worth keeping an eye on this area. My crack was found by an inspector on the 6 monthly checks we have here in NZ.

 

[jonheld]

Hey, your crack looks just like mine. Sorry, couldn't pass that one up.

91 FJ80 US spec.

 

[redstang410]

[/quote]

Looks like that crack is being caused by the stress of the panhard rod mount on the frame.