WARNING - 120 series front diff brackets that can break

[Anth120playdo Banned Find all posts View Profile Close Anth120playdo]

Recently I broke one of my front diff mounting brackets, just thought I would share what I found, I've heard of bending them but until now not braking them.

Facts:
I found that these front diff brackets were superseded in 11/03.
My vehicle is 10/03.
It was the drivers side on mine that broke.
They retail at Toyota for close to $250ea & stock was in Japan.
Wreckers in Melbourne ask anything from $50 to $175 each. Naturally I paid $50 x2.
If yours brakes, it can hit your alloy sump & smash it. I was lucky.
It can also hit on your steering rack on the pinion.
I replaced both brackets with a pair from an 08 stock mums bus.





My opinion:
The new brackets are much stronger.
I think if you do offroad you should go and change yours. Pre 11/03
I think the drivers side is the weakest one.
You can change them yourself with a few Basic tools 12mm to remove bash plate then you need 19mm & 22mm for the bolts in the brackets easy!
If you don't use it offroad they might be ok, but is it worth the risk? It has taken 2 year of regular off roading to brake mine.

[8608 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close 8608]

the yanks were reporting these breakages years ago when i first bought my 120.

they have beefed up ones available over there, or some just re-inforce them with some bits of steel and weld.

monster rides do some beefy drop brackets, but they hang way too low for anything less than 3" of lift.