Engine Bay Body Rips

[highbeams]

other1 previously said:

So, have the '08 ones addressed the problem???

this really cannot be said yet
remember the problem starts to show up around 20,000 miles in most cases.
Only time will tell. Toyota is well aware of the problem. The best thing you can do is get it documented by your dealer. and send off a complaint to the feds at the link provided here. A class action suit will only get us a settlement, and we do not need that, we need a solution.

[Piper]

So as I await my FJ SE, should be tomorrow, I have been reading this thread as well as several others. Unfortunately, this thread has so much worthless opinions and useless information intertwined in it, I refuse to read the 220 pages of history and will just ask my question instead of looking to see if it's already being done. As I already know that I offended some of you, there is no need to tell me, I AM AWARE . however, if you have something constructive to add, fire away.

Has anybody done any ongoing measurement tests or video or anything to this extreme to document this and if not, I am willing to do this but would like some input on how to go about it. It seems that from all of the posts I've read, people happen to just notice it one day so is it even known if this is a a gradual progression or something that just happens as a result of certain physical event such as a pothole on the freeway or jumping? I can mount cameras/led lights that video the suspect areas, take daily measurements, log data from shock sensors to coinside with the video or whatever it takes. It seems to me that Toyota would be extremely interested in this data if they are not already conducting a similar test themselves.

Any ideas on good reference points to measure to detect bulging?

I do plan to use this as my daily driver in Southern California as well as a test bed for a plethera of electronic devices. I am by no means a HARD CORE Off-Roader but I have taken my 99 4-Runner on a lot of trails surrounding the Southern California basin excluding rock crawling trails. My wife and I would get the maps for the national forests and highlight all of the roads once we did them and when we completed one forest we'd move on to the next. I plan on doing the same with this FJ SE as well.

BTW, I am a former contractor of TMS USA, Inc. Legal Department and I have nothing but good to say for the company, especially the Legal Department, however, if there is a legitimate design flaw, I would think that a manufacturer with a reputation such as Toyota would do their best to fix the problem if sufficient data is provided along with the claim.

[YELLOWJACKET08]

Fellows I've Read Several Comments About Welding Up These Crush Zone Cracks, Double Plating Them Etc., Don't Do It!!!!!!! The Crush Zones Are Designed To Control Impact Forces From Entering Your Passenger Compartment. If You Stiffen This Area There Will Be Two Results- The Stress Cracking Will" Move" Either Forward Or Rearward To An Unreinforced Area ; And You Will Create An Excellent Chance Of Having Your Dashboard Hitting You And Your Passengers In The Teeth Because The Stiffened Crush Zone Will Transmit Accident Forces Back Into The Passenger Compartment. If You Have Your Inner Fenders Replaced Make Absolutely Certain Your Body Repairman Is Icar And Ase Certified So He Is Aware Of These Hazards. Even The Number Of Spot Welds For The Replacement Panel Should Be Counted And Duplicated. I've Done This Work Proffesionally For Over 30 Years; This Is My Opinion Only-make No Decision Without Contacting The Manufacturor For Guidance In Proper Repairs On Their Products.... Good Luck And Good Wheeling !!!!!!!!!!

[cruiserlarry]

YELLOWJACKET08 previously said:

Fellows I've Read Several Comments About Welding Up These Crush Zone Cracks, Double Plating Them Etc., Don't Do It!!!!!!! The Crush Zones Are Designed To Control Impact Forces From Entering Your Passenger Compartment. If You Stiffen This Area There Will Be Two Results- The Stress Cracking Will" Move" Either Forward Or Rearward To An Unreinforced Area ; And You Will Create An Excellent Chance Of Having Your Dashboard Hitting You And Your Passengers In The Teeth Because The Stiffened Crush Zone Will Transmit Accident Forces Back Into The Passenger Compartment. If You Have Your Inner Fenders Replaced Make Absolutely Certain Your Body Repairman Is Icar And Ase Certified So He Is Aware Of These Hazards. Even The Number Of Spot Welds For The Replacement Panel Should Be Counted And Duplicated. I've Done This Work Proffesionally For Over 30 Years; This Is My Opinion Only-make No Decision Without Contacting The Manufacturor For Guidance In Proper Repairs On Their Products.... Good Luck And Good Wheeling !!!!!!!!!!

Thank you for stressing again what many of us have been stating since the beginning of this thread - proper repair work is critical the the correct function of the crush zone. It is not advisable to reinforce this area on your own.

[w5wi]

The answers to most questions are in here as well as a lot of "the sky is falling" and other trivial drool.

But, do like we all did... Read the thread!

cheers,

dale

[fortfun]

got into a crash yesterday and noticed a bulge afterwards...

march 1st accident - some damage

[fortfun]

looks like they are goin to cut out the entire apron and weld in a new one.

how do i make sure it will not have the bulge effect?

[makaser]

fortfun previously said:

how do i make sure it will not have the bulge effect?

Go buy yourself a Tacoma. Being a bit of a smart ass here. But the replacement aprons will also bulge in time. I've seen it twice now. That's why mine are sitting with the bulges for now. They haven't gotten any worse in 6500 miles and a LOT of hard wheeling. So why do more damage? Replacing them involves doing a LOT of cutting and welding which, in the end, doesn't even begin to fix the problem. Only bandaid's the symptom.

Yours on the otherhand, will NEED to be replaced. So have them replaced and continue to check them. Good Luck.

[fortfun]

gotcha

[chichid65]

Update-as of today March 3, 2008 no Rip's, Bulges, or cracks.