Engine Bay Body Rips

**bernd** · 08-11-2007, 01:46 PM

PLEASE PM ME, LANDROVER OR DRAGON YOUR CONFIGURATION IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING BULGES OR RIPS IN YOUR FENDERS AND DO NOT SEE IT ON THE LIST.

ALSO PM ME, LANDROVER OR DRAGON IF YOU VOTED THE POLL BY MISTAKE AND WE'LL REMOVE YOUR VOTE. DON'T BE SHY, WE ALL MAKE MISTAKES SOMETIMES IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE RESULTS OF THE POLL WITHOUT VOTING, JUST CLICK ON THE LINK IN THE POLL WINDOW THAT SAYS "VIEW POLL RESULTS".

I was cleaning my TRD CA and noticed that my body was ripping. I have a Warn Bumper and the OME heavy lift. The vehicle is mainly used as a trail rig and has never been jumped.

I know this has happened to others on this forum and would like to know what Toyota has done or said. It appears to me that this is a weak spot or there is to much flex allowed. Please any info would be helpful before I take it in to Toyota.

(edit) Toyota is taking care of most FJ's that are showing the signs a bulge or a rip. They are doing it under warranty. The work involves replacing the inner aprons with the newer style apron. This is not a true fix. For as we know( If you have read through this thread) the newer aprons are also bulging along with aprons that have been replaced.

link
NHTS IVOQ - File a Complaint
If you have a bulge please file with the NHTS.

Briman42487 · 08-11-2007, 02:00 PM

that looks terrible. if it has lost its structural integrity, imagine what lies ahead.

**Pumbaa** · 08-11-2007, 02:02 PM

man that su#$@... I have seen this on 3 fjs now... all have a heavy aftermarket bumper but the other guys jump their truck... do you have a winch too?

**Pumbaa** · 08-11-2007, 02:03 PM

are they all in the crunch zones?

Sun Fusion Cruiser · 08-11-2007, 02:05 PM

That does not look good, and I'd imaging with the mods you have on there, you will in for a fight with 'yota.

wesayso · 08-11-2007, 02:12 PM

Since the bumper is bolted to the frame, it should not affect the body at all.

**Pumbaa** · 08-11-2007, 02:14 PM

Quote:

wesayso previously said:

Since the bumper is bolted to the frame, it should not affect the body at all.

that is true...never thought about that...lol... so if he dosnt jump it what would cause it?
does the bumper slide into the upper holder like the factory one? because that is not frame thats body...

Noisycow · 08-11-2007, 02:21 PM

There are some nice early Broncos and Scouts on Ebay for those needing a 4x4 to take off road on trails, just fyi.

***Shadow-Warrior*** · 08-11-2007, 02:29 PM

You said you never jumped the vehicle....The same type of body damage that looks like what you have I've seen on here from members that have jumped or that have taken very hard hits (drops). If you look at Air2air's vehicle, this is the same place where his damage happend, his quote was $15,000 worth to fix and I have to tell you, yours is worse then his was....Sorry to hear about it, thats not good. That shows some serious stress cracking....Keep us informed on what happens

**MoabRat** · 08-11-2007, 02:41 PM

With only 3 of these reported out of all the FJs on the forum. It would really be nice to hear the whole story on this. This is fishy. Lot's of us wheel extensively, with the same options, and no trouble. Physics isn't random. Is there any more you might be able to tell us? It might be a rare metal defect, but it's hard to imagine.

EDIT: Read my post again. Please don't think I'm doubting your word. I'm just looking for more info. Another thought, have you had a lot of high speed rutted or washboards? Maybe it's something in the design of the ome/shock and their rates. Have you pulled anyone, or had to yank from your bumper tow points. This is so ugly and strange. Makes one a bit worried.