Anyone ever seen this happen? Both of mine have cracks in them. 261K on the frame. Not sure what to do since it's integrated into the frame. Maybe a re-weld, but seems like it's in a high-stress spot.

Open to suggestions!

 

Damn, never seen that. Cant imagine its safe either.

 

You might want to check with the dealer.

You should be able to buy them

I have to look closer are they welded to the frame?? I pretty much think they have to be.

If you can weld the welding is the easy part .

Taking it all apart and the prep work is what is going to be labor intensive if you have to pay some one.

If these are broke what other front suspension parts are in need of being replaced

Have you noticed abnormal front tire wear ??:wabbit2:

 

thats crazy. have u been hitting any sweet jumps? to bad i just threw out my coil buckets a few weeks ago.

 

you could always cut a ring of quarter inch steel and weld it on top, however i think the right way would be to cut off the whole tower and weld on a new one.

 

I had thought that might work but I don`t think the threads on the studs are long enough.

To get full thread on the nuts just causing more problems perhaps.

 

Ha, I know right! Looking at it you would think so, but nothing more than running some rocky trails around here. I have a really heavy custom bumper and winch up front so I don't know if that contributed or not.

The towers are welded directly to the frame. That's why I'm so torn over how to approach a fix. Plenty of donor vehicles out here in CO so I could try to find an old frame, cut them off there and then put them on mine, but man what a PITA! I like Blake's idea, but you're right Wyoming, it would be close for the studs.

Haven't noticed any weird handling or tire wear yet, but I really don't know how long it has been like this. I do know that driving up and down the mountain is going to be sketchy knowing its cracked!

Saw a rolling frame for sale on Craigslist in the area, so I even considered that option, albeit a huge project (although then I could build it from the ground up and upgrade everything!)

 

how about insatlling longer studs, what do they use one a spacer lift?

 

The shock coil bucket is available from the dealer to be welded in:

51501-35100 SUPPORT SUB-ASSY, SUSPENSION ARM RH
51502-35100 SUPPORT SUB-ASSY, SUSPENSION ARM LH

http://www.utoyot8.com/Picture.aspx?...ccode=&ppName=

http://www.toyotapartseast.com/Page_...3557,3558,3560

 

Wow, didn't think that would have even been an option. Thanks RWOregon! Now I just need to find a REALLY good welder in the area!

 

ive got arc, mig, and tig. gotta check with the boss but i could help ya burn them in

 

Welcome! The EPC has all sort of unexpected things in it.
Get ing.

 

I did say I thought you would be able to get them at the dealer.

The welding is the easy part!!

It is all the prep work and getting things lined up and fitted where the real work is.

 

I'd say it's pretty safe to assume that the heavy bumper & winch, coupled with stiffer springs, caused the stress/fatigue cracks.

Before going through the hassle (and expense) of purchasing new towers, I'd pull the struts, straighten & clean the top of the towers, and properly weld the cracks.

That's a few hours of work, all in, and won't require an alignment afterwards.


Andreas

 

Driving it like that period is stupid. You are asking for catastrophic failure.

Take it off the road and fix it as you cause an accident or worse kill someone knowing your vehicle is like this they'll own you.

:wabbit2:

 

I never seen steel crack. Unless it was tempered. And this should not be tempered.

 

welding a plate on damaged steel would be a very temporary solution because cracks will appear later on the weakened steel and on the weldments.

the correct thing to do is to cut off the old tower and weld on a new one and if you can do both sides, the better.

 

Any updates?


Andreas