Theory on preventing frame cracks around steering box and panhard bracket (26 Viewers)

[Kernal]

@SNLC said "Toyota fixed this problem when they added coil springs to the front of the 70-series in 1999 --- you have to remove the front frame cross-member and replace it with the 70-series."

Not planning to do that mod myself, just wondering how the 70 Series updated design is different from the 80 Series?

Anyone have photos showing the difference ie: for comparison 70 Series vs 80 Series?

 

[Broski]

I plan to leave well enough alone unless an issue occurs.

 

[SNLC]

Cheers

 

[PeterTheBeater]

Wow I do not know how you guys were able to strip and grind the paint from inside the frame rail.

 

[landtank]

During the repair Lee turned to me and asked “do you hear that? Sounds like something is boiling.”

Giving how my steering is responding after the repair I’d say it was my power steering fluid.

The power steering hose has an U shaped metal pipe with a metal mount that bolts to the frame just in front of the steering box. My thought is that there was enough heat transfer during the repair to affect the fluid in the hose.

I’m driving home and will dig into it once there.

As a precaution I’m advising anyone doing this repair in frame, un bolt that hose and tie it off out of harms way.

 

[Broski]

View attachment 3949867
View attachment 3949869
View attachment 3949870



Cheers

Interested to see what you come up with LAN
I’m sure it well be out of the box thinking

 

[landtank]

So here is a sample of my power steering fluid. Flushed it out and took the truck for a drive and everything seems fine. I’ll probably flush it again after driving some.

 

[robnicko]

So here is a sample of my power steering fluid. Flushed it out and took the truck for a drive and everything seems fine. I’ll probably flush it again after driving some. View attachment 3955486

looks like a very strong Port or Shiraz

 

[landtank]

looks like a very strong Port or Shiraz

when nosed there were notes of tar.

 

[reklund5]

Wow I do not know how you guys were able to strip and grind the paint from inside the frame rail.

It was easy with the engine, radiator, power steering box and all power steering hoses removed

 

[PeterTheBeater]

Chasing my own tail here…

I’ve welded in the reinforcement. That involved me removing steering box & steering arm. Now I’ve also put in delta 3L lower controls arms and pressed the bushes in myself (noticed the crack right after that).

After assembling everything together with new steering stabilizer, it just sounds off when driving, especially breaking. Sounds loose and can almost feel it in the steering. Can’t really notice or hear anything at speed or when accelerating, mostly when braking.

Steering box has new 1/2” grade 8 bolts, all are tight.
Control arms bolt and nuts are tight.
Knuckle arm bolts are tight.
tie rods and steering stabilizer is tight.
Steering coupler is tight.

Took the brakes off on the left side, caliper is tight, brake pads are good (still making noise after putting them back together).
Bled the brakes.

Checked for bearing play, none.

I can’t find a single loose thing, took it for alignment at stellar built and couldn’t find anything on the rack either.

The reinforcement is still welded it and hasn’t cracked off even with my booger welds.

Is there something I’m missing? Or just increased road noise transfer from the new arms? I mean it almost sounds like balls in a drum….

 

[reklund5]

@PeterTheBeater is your steering shaft seal at the firewall shot, allowing the steering shaft to flop around?

 

[Kabanstva]

Just checked the stuff I bought from @Delta VS back in summer of 2022. The plates I got look different than their current offering and it’s only 2 pieces. Doesn’t have that smaller third piece of steel. You guys think this is good enough or should I get their new kit?

 

[Broski]

Chasing my own tail here…

I’ve welded in the reinforcement. That involved me removing steering box & steering arm. Now I’ve also put in delta 3L lower controls arms and pressed the bushes in myself (noticed the crack right after that).

After assembling everything together with new steering stabilizer, it just sounds off when driving, especially breaking. Sounds loose and can almost feel it in the steering. Can’t really notice or hear anything at speed or when accelerating, mostly when braking.

Steering box has new 1/2” grade 8 bolts, all are tight.
Control arms bolt and nuts are tight.
Knuckle arm bolts are tight.
tie rods and steering stabilizer is tight.
Steering coupler is tight.

Took the brakes off on the left side, caliper is tight, brake pads are good (still making noise after putting them back together).
Bled the brakes.

Checked for bearing play, none.

I can’t find a single loose thing, took it for alignment at stellar built and couldn’t find anything on the rack either.

The reinforcement is still welded it and hasn’t cracked off even with my booger welds.

Is there something I’m missing? Or just increased road noise transfer from the new arms? I mean it almost sounds like balls in a drum….

I'm going to say drive shaft.
Pull the front and use the center lock to go for a drive.
If the nose persists put the front back in and pull the rear and repeat.

But my money is on the front as you just changed the pinion angle with the new Delta arms

 

[PeterTheBeater]

@PeterTheBeater is your steering shaft seal at the firewall shot, allowing the steering shaft to flop around?

Definitely doesn’t help.

Out of paranoia of dying I went ahead and replaced the steering box 1/2-13 bolts with new 1/2-20 USA made ones.

I'm going to say drive shaft.
Pull the front and use the center lock to go for a drive.
If the nose persists put the front back in and pull the rear and repeat.

But my money is on the front as you just changed the pinion angle with the new Delta arms

i think you’re on it. Because I’m getting like “tire balance” vibration at 70 now.

Dang, blowing money makes you blow more money. What’s the solution, double cardon?

 

[Broski]

View attachment 3957021Definitely doesn’t help.

Out of paranoia of dying I went ahead and replaced the steering box 1/2-13 bolts with new 1/2-20 USA made ones.

i think you’re on it. Because I’m getting like “tire balance” vibration at 70 now.

Dang, blowing money makes you blow more money. What’s the solution, double cardon?

Yep
TomWoods best bang for the buck
Super fast shipping

 

[Delta VS]

Just checked the stuff I bought from @Delta VS back in summer of 2022. The plates I got look different than their current offering and it’s only 2 pieces. Doesn’t have that smaller third piece of steel. You guys think this is good enough or should I get their new kit?

View attachment 3956992

View attachment 3956993

Send an email will exchange for steep discount

 

[Kabanstva]

Send an email will exchange for steep discount

Will do! Thanks for responding guys.

 

[landtank]

Yep
TomWoods best bang for the buck
Super fast shipping

And comes with a very laborious greasing regiment.

 

[Broski]

And comes with a very laborious greasing regiment.

Did I mention that they completely rebuilt mine for $150.00 ? Including shipping.

Or you can get a really nice all Toyota one from @landtank $$