TOYOTA LAND CRUISER REAR AXLE issue. 70-Series 

The David Attenborough of 4X4.

Probably the best insight into an oversight I've ever seen...

I will never tire of the random things that i learn from your videos, just simple stuff like why the wheel bearing should be in the centre of the rim. I never knew there was a legit reason for not allowing huge offset rims and tyre spacers. Thanks Andrew.

One thing I love about your channel is your passion for what you do. Keep it up.

An ingenious answer to a little known - perhaps - problem. Very informative as always. Thanks for posting.

The kind of money you pay for these trucks you would think Toyota would have had this issue sorted already! Thank you Andrew for another in-depth review.

Hit like 25 seconds into the video! Exactly what i wanted to hear,Thank you Andrew!

Good point Andrew, never thought about it but you're spot on - Larger offset rims and spacers will cause premature bearing damage

I can listen to you all day.Your voice brings depth and character to any subject you talk about.I can see you take over from David Attenborough.Cheers Muzzamoose

Great video Andrew! I just became a Patreon supporter. I recently purchased the Australian CruiseMaster XT Suspension kit and had it shipped to Texas, USA. (Probably the 1st one in Texas) I have been wrestling with the idea of using wheel adapters (aka spacers) for the longest in order to use the same type of wheels for both my overland trailer and tow vehicle. Your video has caused me to rethink (for a third time) about using wheel adapters on my hybrid trailer project. Anyway keep up the great work Andrew and I look forward to many more insightful videos!

Andrew, I purchased a 94 Land Cruiser 80 series here in the states a few years back. I have owned many 80 series and love them. Well I purchased this one about 500 miles from my home. I flew there and drove it back. While driving back, I was on an interstate and the front right wheel flew off the vehicle. Literally, I saw the wheel driving down the highway beside me. My car had fallen to the pavement and was riding on the disk brake which had broken loose from the axle and was spinning on the axle. I luckily did not wreck. I did not flip or spin, I simply slowed and pulled off the right side of the highway, from 77 MPH! Sometimes you get lucky. But when I looked at what happened, the previous owner had put 1 inch wheel spacers on and the bolts had broken allowing the rim to come off the wheel . . . . I researched it and these were cheap chinese made spacers, but I would warn anyone against it . . . .love your stuff . . . .

Fantastic highlighting of the issues with track width correction. Love when ASPW gets all techky!

Your cruiser is awesome as always👍🏻👍🏻 from the U.S You did the right way and I'm a true believer in safety first always. Can't put a price on that. Great job and great decision 👍🏻

I find the longitudinal aspect of these videos really cool. You end up seeing alot of the content a few times but it gives a good bit of perspective. Can't imagine how much footage you've got from years ago waiting to put in recent videos haha

An interesting topic as always in your videos, Andrew. In my opinion, as many here are discussing, the actual bearings are still stressed a bit more because the axle is attached to your leaf spring at a certain distance from the bearing. Lenghtening the distance means putting more stress on the said bearing even if proper offset is maintained. Of course, the bearing in this case is not the only part being under more stress. Your axle shafts are longer so they are under greater torsional forces which are relayed to the differential - thru spider gears to ring gear to pinion and so on. And it is not just the innards. The axle casing was designed with certain dimensions to certain specifications. Lenghtening axle tubes in this case then means greater stress on the casing therefore a possible problem too. All in all I think it really comes to what we use our vehicles for. If for onroad and casual offroad, to correct road manners then I dont see a big problem, since Toyota's axles are usually quite strong and replacing the bearings once they have gone is not a big deal. If for strict hardcore offroad, rock crawling maybe, then I would look for a different axle.

Hi Andrew! Please note that the 70 series is also sold in many American countries. We still get them in Costa Rica and I know Panama and many other countries do too. Great video! Cheers!

It's good to see your honesty Andrew regarding the troop carrier.

Great vid Andrew... Great to see that there is a viable solution to this... Awesome truck...

That looks like a pretty cool upgrade, Aussy engineering at it's finest.

Thanks for the info. Will come in handy in about 30 years when my hzj75 troopy is maybe ready for replacement.

Good video, thanks Andrew. My note is that my 76 series run on rear wheels with 55mm negative offset without any problem. The reason is that unlike on normal road car like Toyota Corrolla or Honda Civic, the Landcruiser has tapered roller wheel bearing (conned shape) which can withstand both axial forces and radial forces. The landcruiser's wheel bearings can easily handle the extra force of the negative offset. In addition, the Landcruiser design allows the wheel bearing to be periodically inspect and adjust pre-loaded with torque wrench and re-lube. So, in my opinion, if you don't worry about the legality of your modification, it's fine to use negative offset wheel if you do know how to inspect and maintain the car yourself.

American pick ups and suv's based on them used to have a lot wider front axle. My -79 Blazer had too, so I put 30 mm spacers to the rear axle. Tires are only 12.5x33x15, so the leverage is not too great, or the change of it. I agree with You and those local laws; spacers and too big an offset change are dangerous, but usually only in the front. The law is there to prevent anyone changing the steering geometry to a point where braking with the slippery surface under passenger side front wheel, would try to turn the steering violently towards oncoming traffic. As most spacer-users can confirm, correctly tightened spacers do not come loose. It is more common to have problems to get them loose if they have been on for couple of years. And yes, they are illegal here in Finland too, but while the annual inspection is quite thorough, I have never had any problems as there are also legal factory made wheel systems that consist of separate parts. I enjoy the way You lecture. It is like having a nice, entertaining teacher...

My solution is to mount 80 series axles. It's not done yet, but I can not think anything but it will give even more stability. Regards Henrik Sweden

Thanks for the info Andrew. But there is an easier option. If you choose a mining spec 70 series Landcruiser, they are supplied with axles and differentials which are both widened and strengthened via extensive rebracing. This process resolves both the width and track issue, and the issues of extensive flexing of the diff housing. The only option fitted to the mining spec Landcruiser I operate, are portals, just to allow more ground clearance. 👍👍

I tow an off-road caravan (tandem axle) with a tow all weight (when loaded) of approx 325 kilos. When towing with my recently acquired 79 series dual cab Landcruiser - with a 3900 KG GVM upgrade - when driving on the highway - acceptable handling - whilst driving off road tracks - acceptable, sand driving - I’m aware of the issues - but haven’t yet been there and done that with the van in toe. I have however noticed that on narrow roads where with on coming vehicles - I’ve needed to share the road and straddle the bitumen and gravel / dirt edge - I have noticed a fair amount of an instability issue - especially around sweeping bends - I’ve attributed this to the three track axle widths - in summary not a relaxing drive - with quiet a bit of steering correction issues . “The older cruisers handled a lot better” Because of my GVM due to the heavy van - the standard axle extension cost estimate to maintain the 3990 GVM is double the cost of the non GVM supply & fit. Not complaining just putting it out there for any person doing heavy towing. I now have to make a decision based on safety.

as usual, very thorough and well-worded insight. Thanks

We have a pre-2006 78 Series with the old body style. The front axle is wider than the rear. It is a squirrelly beast to drive in sand and mud. Have chatted with a few Cruiser shops in the US and they’ve recommended the spacer route. Good to know a solution like the one you’ve shared exist.

Thanks Automotive Doctor ! Information appreciated .Note i am a mechanic in Kenya [ Africa ] Asante Sana [ Thank you very much ]

I love my 79 but i actually found it wanting to crab walk in the soft sand tracks here in WA. Was looking at the expensive axle replacement option but will now definitely hve a look at the Tru Track. Cheers

Thank you... Your sharing of knowledge is truely appreciated

In my coutry they are still in production .. since day 1... years ago!! this is like a case of keep it simple keep it strong!

Very well explained down to earth practical advice.

Having a 2017 LC71, I have added 1.5inch spacers at the back and done extreme sand dunes driving and jumps and also driving on dirt and road driving. No issues at all...I dont recommend going for expensive solutions without exploring the much cheaper solutions first!!

Good video Andrew but would have been better if you’d added a price (RRP).

Great informative video as always, thanks for the upload Andrew 👍 This is off topic but please can you point me towards a distributor of the fire stryker extinguishers you have installed in your vehicle?

From an engineering perspective, there is no doubt that putting the centre of the load over the centre of the bearing is the best solution for bearing life, and this is an elegant solution. But overhung loads on bearings are not at all uncommon and may not be material to the bearings life depending on the way the axle is hung in its entirety. I have done over 70,000km on my 76 with 55mm spacers (fitted by a Toyota dealer) each side and have had no bearing issues on the rear-I tow a 2t trailer. The local farming community runs on the 79's using trailers in the 3.5t category, most with spacers. Ironically, I have only had to replace a front wheel bearing!

Hello Andrew, in Colombia South America there is also this version of Land Cruiser 71,76, 78 and 79. Greetings from these distant lands.

Thank you for this great video. What special maintenance is required for this modification?

Thanks for the information always wandered why Toyota had a shorter axle on the 70 series

So happy to see a 4wd video addressing the legalities of modifying vehicles beyond what is allowed. I've been seriously flamed for commenting how 35" tyres are basically illegal on any 4wd nowadays as pretty much no engineer in Australia will approve them. I'm guessing people believe 'she'll be right' is a legitimate defence in court & I really hope no one has to find out the hard way.

I love your show, Sir Andrew!

Great video Andrew thank you

Good comments Andrew. I have a 76 series and have not found the issue a problem ...yet...I have been towing a 3T boat upto Queensland and back home to Vic (5,200 K return) for years now and its been great...plenty of power and no issue with stability even when I am travelling at 110kph (when law and road conditions permit). I have done some sand 4wd'ing through the Sunset Desert and some beach driving...with no noticeable problem. Maybe I have not done enough to make a fair judgement yet...I will be travelling through the 'Corner Country' this July, so will be able to give a better assessment then. NOTE: the old Citroen DS had a much shorter rear wheel base...I pretty sure that this was deliberate...It is supposed to create a better turning circle. So ...has anyone that has had a rear axle mod experienced any difference with their TC?

Very Interesting article. Just at the start of researching bring a 70 Series in to the UK as a Grey Import and was concerned about the Narrower rear axle track. This mod seems a cost effective solution. Do not want to buy a new 2020 Defender to replace our existing vehicles.

great... your upgrade making the car more stable and powerful in offroad road.

Great upgrade. I would want to do the same.

I Must be lucky had wheel spacers on for 350.000 k and never had a fault and just looked at my wheel bearings after 60.000 k and totally fine ! My 2007 CAB CHASSIS cruiser is always heavy however after blowing 2 diffs i just installed the Dana 60 ultimate and tell yu what getting the snake racing 2 inch spacers of took some time ! HOWEVER YES IF YOU DON'T KNOW YOUR VEHICLE don't use spacers. I do have many mods and 226 Rear wheel killerwatts plus 2018 gearbox and bigger G turbo and lots more !! and i do believe toyota should of never been allowed to make such a out of track PROBLEM ! And the ADR should of sorted it from the start SOMEONE GOT PAID OFF ! my opinion only !

Another great video thanks Now I have to see why someone fitted 50mm spacers on my landrover I’m hoping it was to correct the incorrect o’set wheels back to centre :-(

Hi Andrew, with this in mind and the fact you're heading international is the plan to carry a spare of each extended axle with you as a security blanket?

Great insights thank you!

My 2017 lc79 has a 1hz, so is the front axle still wider?

Andrew great video mate .

Thank you, again a fantastic Video. Thamps up

I tow a 79 series 2019 dual cab land cruiser - like Andrew am a big fan of land cruisers - I tow a heavy off road caravan - my old 2006 land cruiser 6 cylinder although underpowered towed the van a treat. Not so with the new land cruiser especially on road - the threes axle off sets (vehicle & van) made driving very interesting to say the least in terms of correction - especially around bends. Due to the fact that I need to maintain my GVM 3900 Load rating for the caravan with a tow all weight of 300 KG. I believe I do need the replacement wide axle kit which will set me back about 6k +. Should have gone with the 200, however I like the 79 series & in terms of safety & piece of mind may need to spend the money - bloody expensive vehicle this has turned out to be - such is life.

Hi Andrew, I am thinking of lifting my JK Wrangler. Do you have any advice regarding brands that should be considered? Thanks in advance

Andrew any fix for the squeaky rear leaf springs? I wonder why Toyota didn't fix the rear axle thingy in the first place and switched over to coils at the rear.

I'd have to wonder if there isn't a fuel economy advantage to doing this modification if you do a lot of long distance driving in sand, since your rear wheels are aligned with the front wheels and thus not having to cut their own partial path through the sand.

Very helpful thanks

Just buy an 80!! haha...Love the informative videos like this even I don't own a 70 series. Do more of these please. When you coming back to USA?

So when you drove across australia with the bigger tyres, the axle width caused the tyres to hit the rear guards. The guards should have been modded to allow the tyres on the wider axles to clear the rear guards. Would prefer better rear with stronger axles like the ones available from Jmacx and others. Way stronger than bolting an extension on the standard diff. There is a reason it is cheaper, because it isn't as good as replacing the complete diff. Replacing parts should be as strong, or stronger than the standard parts. Multi-Drive wouldn't be stronger than standard diffs, and probably less strong. Doing trips need strong parts, not adding risks for the rear diff. We have replaced our rear diff with the Jmacx system. Hope it works for you Andrew.

Thanks for this video, do you know if the problem was fixed for the new 70’s series (2022-2024)?

Is this the reason why your wide tyres scrub now? I know it wouldn't be a prob with a tray back but the wheel arches may need correcting as well to suit?

Excellent video thankyou

Hi I have a 76 series ( living in asia ). I’m thinking to solve the problem with Dynamic rims. What is the correct offset ? Thank you

Thks for the info.Regards from JHB.

great video thanks mate!

The question has to be, since the solution is relatively simple, why hasn't Toyota done it themselves?

So the combination of the wider rear axle AND the wider tyres is why you had tyre contact with the body during your trans Aussie trip. With the standard axle the wider tyre wouldn't have done that. I shall be advising a friend of mine to ditch his spacers too!!!

Hi Andrew; Wonderful video and just for clarification, are you improvising wheel studs, oops sorry I have understood you, you're modifying the Axle

Some older Chevrolet full size trucks had the same issue. It was fine off road but not good in following tracks in the snow.

Hello Andrew Choice Troopy Glad to have watched your segment regarding the untouched rear tracking by Toyota 70s Very satisfied with the Multi track approach and to hear your theory behind the application was very reasonable. A wife or similar would beg to differ However i am keen as mustard to feel the difference whilst towing the standard 1200kg caravan and tray carrying a purpose built tradie work toolbox of around 600kg continuously on my 79 series ute as i work an average of 400km each way from home weekly hence the caravan accommodation (keeps me away from pubs and hangovers ) Any chance of a rough ballpark figure for the whole works undertaken by Multi track ? very curious Regards Roy

I was not aware of this, funny to hear. I'm going to check if the 1999+ Hzj74 has the same.

Are there no other models that use a wider axle that would match what is needed with the 79?

After widening the front axle, did Toyota continue to use the same old steering geometry for the Ackerman Angle? If so, it would probably be out of alignment ... so a widened rear axle modification would put things back to original turning circle. (?)

I like that OZ bans spacers and wheel offsets greater than 25mm over stock; I wish we had this here, as it would stop many of the dangerous "upgraded" 4x4s on the road.

THANK YOU FOR DETAIL VIDEO AS POINT OUT RIGHT WAY DO THIS WITH AXES ON THE 70- SERIES

One possible question is: how this modification changes the rear suspension and tires wear due to different geometry and weight distribution? Second possible question is: does it effect on the longetivity of the rear differential some how? Is the rear differential even suitable for this mod?

Great mod, a disgrace that Toyota puts diff on the market

Hi, Andrew, the 70 series is also available in New Zealand. just in case anyone happens to ask. Keep up the vids very informative

Very Good Information thank you very much

This may sound stupid but can you solve the rear track "problem" by running wider rear tires? Like, 235 front 265 rear.

Ive run wheel spacers for 200,000km without a problem with the spacer itself. Always checking the spacer nuts when ever I have a wheel off but consistently running into problems with wheel bearings and axle seals. Its time to get rid of them and the Tru Tracker kit has just been ordered.

Nice one Andrew, not sure if the haters will find anything to complain about, other than you don't always agree with them. I am a Geelong supporter in the AFL, I don't have to like any of the other teams in the competition, but I do need to respect them and support their right to their own existence, or other wise there would not be any teams to compete against. Watching Geelong play Geelong would be boring.I enjoy what you do, where you go and how you go about it. Even though you live on the other side of the continent, drive a different type of vehicle and low and behold a different brand of of vehicle to me. I hate to admit this, but I now do a few things differently having seen how you go about your travels. I thank you for the opportunity to learn from your experience's.

Hi, am from Kenya and your video was very informative. Here in east Africa we mainly use the land cruisers for tourism where we modify them to 8 seaters and mainly use them on road and off road. I recently bought a 75 and had to upgrade the front to a 79 suspension but am not sure if to modify the back, i am very interested in your advice

Great insight

My dad has a '79 stretch ford van with this problem. And it is a problem on road. It's not too terrible on perfectly flat pavement but the handling goes down the toilet on a road with any wear grooves. The thing is so twitchy it is unbelievable.

A multitude of manufacturers build vehicles with a narrower rear track width. They have done so for years. I believe even Baja trophy trucks are engineered with narrower rear track widths. I believe it is done for quicker directional changes offroad.

This is an eminently sensible engineering solution. Time well tell as to the slightly greater leverage the wheel loads have over the span of the whole axle assembly. What's the difference between a sixpence and five cents? The commentator has analysed it all well, putting the cost benefit down to a matter of personal preference. On established offroad tracks, there may be no more than a subtle improvement felt. One advantage I can see would be in driving over new ground. Stakes that the front tyres miss might be found by a rear tyre. A Ford F-Series four wheel drive on the Canning Stock Route run in a convoy in the late 70's ran out of tyres due to stakes by the time it was halfway south. Tyres had to be flown in. It's wider stance found stakes that narrower tracked vehicles had not already harvested. Early Toyota Landcruiser adopters discovered the same problem when first running on old station bushtracks established by Landrovers. In sand or claggy mud, there will be less rolling resistance when the wider rear axle's tyres are tracking directly behind the front wheels and not having to crush the inner edges of the front wheel trenches in. The rear wheels will also not be climbing the inner edges alternately and forcing the driver into more steering correction and fatigue.

Really interesting video. Especially as I have just got a 79. Is unbelievable that Toyota haven't done anything about this. It is 11 years since they widened the front axle and over 30 years since they designed the 70 series, so it doesn't exactly owe them any money. How difficult would it be to spec an axle 110 mm wider?

So why does the 70-series have limited availability?

Didn't you find that the wheels were hitting the arches over the dunes? Could that be because the wheels are wider apart, or was that just the width of the tyres?

I am bewildered that in 2018 vehicles are being produced with non matching wheel tracks. It is a complete joke and insult by Toyota that a customer who has just forked out almost $80k (AUD) then needs to spend another $5-$10k to rectify this and other defects (poor GVM). It certainly makes a late model 2nd hand Defender look like a bargin with coils all round, bigger GVM, constant 4WD and....aircon as standard!!!

I am aware of the issue but i tow heavy loads with a 79 and with a 200 but i am not at a point where i would bother fixing it. I just am used to the way they handle it

I think measuring performance (statically speaking) between a modified vehicle and a non modified one, would better highlight if it worth it or not. Personally, I think it does not worth it, should that be the case, Toyota would have done it long time ago (Did someone asked Toyota's Engineers bout it?). It also might creates a mismatch situation, which might open a window for new problems. Great video as usual, thanks.

When do we get talking about GVM upgrades and the legalities of being over weight? What is the weight of the Troopie now?

I just went with 35mm spacers . Yeah it is not totally same with fronts but it is way less difference and the wheel still sits on the hub.

They also sell it in some countries of America. I live in Venezuela and they're still being manufactured here, only the 76 and 79 series although 71 and 78 series are abundant here. In fact the 50 anniversary Land cruiser was made in Venezuela, only 300 of them. The V8 is not available here, we use the 4.0 V6 gasoline in current models

Ar 4:48 I see you have a rim only on the back. Is there a specific reason for this or were you about to have a new tyre fitted?

Hi Andrew, have you ever considered Portal Axels for the troopie?

Hi Andrew! I'm really curious what is your opinion on bolt on portals. They are pretty expensive, but they give a massive lift for the axles too.