I have a pretty stock '99 LC and it spends most of its time as a family hauler doing freeway driving duties. However, we do drive it sometimes off-road or in icy/snowy conditions. The rear diff housing seems to be the lowest point on the LC. My question is that how sturdy is it in relation to occasionally hitting ice chunks on the road or accidentally impacts with a large rock? For example, driving on snowy roadways at night, sometimes it is hard to see a large chunk of ice until it's too late to avoid it. I know, the best thing is to avoid that from happening in the first place, but just wondering if people have experienced damages from these types of impacts.
Rear Diff Housing Resistance to Impact Damage
- Thread starter calskibum
- Start date
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Cruiserdrew
On the way there
Given that the same basic design rear differential housing has been used in Land Cruisers since the early 1960's and no one has ever reported problems due to snow and ice on the road, I'd say you are worried about a problem that doesn't exist. The differential nodular iron housing is pretty darn tough. I've ground mine over actual rocks and granite many times. Worry about something else!
Your good, never swerve for ice. The diff case on the cruiser can crush ice all day.
- Thread starter
- #4
That's reassuring to hear. Thanks guys!
Rear diff is very tough, have whacked some good sized rock with it and only scratched the paint. What you don't want to hit hard on a rock is the driveshaft, a good sized dent in the tube and it will twist in two.
- Thread starter
- #6
Thanks for the info, Skidoo! Good to know.
