PSA, steering stops 89-95 2wd truck

[cruiserdan]

No pics at this time but a head's up.

I have a 1994 RN90 (2wd Xtracab) that I inherited from my uncle when he checked out about a year and a half ago. It has been a great little truck and my wife uses it regularly to transport rescuce dogs across the state.

I had it in our shop a week ago getting an oil change and new shocks. I was looking at the front brakes when I noticed what looked like damage to the left front brake hose. Further investigation established the the inside sidewall of the tire was rubbing on the brake hose in a full left turn. The hose was very close to being worn through to a point where a hard stop could have easily ruptured it. Had that happened the truck would not have been able to stop!

This truck has stock wheels and 195/75/14 tires so it was not a result of ill-fitting treads. What it ended up being was BOTH of the front steering stop bolts were broken off flush with the jamb nuts and the RH control arm-mounted stop plate was completely missing. This allowed the tires to turn sharper than they were supposed to be able to, resulting in brake hose contact on both sides. Worse on the left side because of the missing stop plate on the right side.

I could have lost my wife if that hose had failed in a panic situation. If you own an 89-95 2wd mini truck CHECK YOUR STEERING STOP BOLTS AND FRONT BRAKE HOSES REGULARLY.


D-

 

[snobdds]

I wore out my right side steering stop bolt due to how my driveway is orientation and where the 88 lives. This was on a four wheel, BTW. I just welded on a piece of round bar to the end. I can always fix it properly down the road, if needed. Are they still available?

 

[cruiserdan]

Stop bolts, stop plates and the plastic caps are still available.

 

[Mudder]

I just want to make sure, you're talking about the steering stops correct?

 

[cruiserdan]

Correct.

 

[Mudder]

I'm glad to Toyota still makes those. And I'm glad you caught that issue before something bad happened!

 

[cruiserdan]

I kept the hose. I'll take a photo and post it. It could have been very nasty.

 

[cruiserdan]

Here is the hose from the left side.

 

[pappy]

Dang Dan. That could have been nasty if it popped. Glad you caught it.

 

[cruiserdan]

Absolutely nasty. It really got my attention when I discovered it.

 

[KLF]

Meh. Put some duct tape on it, run it. That's what e-brakes are for.

 

[cruiserdan]

I'll put it back on....................And let your wife drive it........