Is the SR5 missing frame reinforcement?

[KCcarguy]

I was looking under a TE a couple days ago and noticed a diagonal bar-type-thing going from the frame rails and connecting to the first cross-member behind the engine. After looking around a bit more, I noticed FJ's have them and it looks like the limiteds do as well. I'm assuming this is to add rigidity to the frame? I guess the SR5's got left out for some reason. It looks like it connects to the frame with bolts....if so, could this be added to an SR5? Unfortunately, I didn't take a pic to show you guys what I'm talking about. But, I did find a Youtube video with an undercarraige shot of an FJ. You can see the same supports on the FJ at 1:12-1:14 right next to the catalytic conv. Any info/ opinions on these? Anyone know the part name/ number? I'd love to add them to my truck if there's any benefit.

Fj Cruiser Tacoma Under Carriage Shot - YouTube


:cheers:

 

[JB.]

Stand facing the truck next to your drivers side mirror, go straight down from there and look underneath. Are you saying you don't have a tubular support that forms a triangle between the frame rail and crossmember and protects the CAT directly above it?

 

[harper7]

I was looking under a TE a couple days ago and noticed a diagonal bar-type-thing going from the frame rails and connecting to the first cross-member behind the engine. After looking around a bit more, I noticed FJ's have them and it looks like the limiteds do as well. I'm assuming this is to add rigidity to the frame? I guess the SR5's got left out for some reason. It looks like it connects to the frame with bolts....if so, could this be added to an SR5? Unfortunately, I didn't take a pic to show you guys what I'm talking about. But, I did find a Youtube video with an undercarraige shot of an FJ. You can see the same supports on the FJ at 1:12-1:14 right next to the catalytic conv. Any info/ opinions on these? Anyone know the part name/ number? I'd love to add them to my truck if there's any benefit.

Fj Cruiser Tacoma Under Carriage Shot - YouTube


:cheers:

I believe those frame brackets are #32 and yes ALL 5ths and 4th Gens should have them. Weren't you missing some skid plates or something up under there too or why did you buy some oem ones?

There are also new ones up under the front to brace the radiator support that were added to the 5th Gens. Those are the ones that need spacers for SR5/Limiteds when lifting so the sway bar doesn't rub on them.

32 Bracket, Suspension R 51225-35040 $94.80
L 51226-35060

 

[KCcarguy]

Stand facing the truck next to your drivers side mirror, go straight down from there and look underneath. Are you saying you don't have a tubular support that forms a triangle between the frame rail and crossmember and protects the CAT directly above it?

Yes. That's what I'm saying. :shrug:

I believe those frame brackets are #32 and yes ALL 5ths and 4th Gens should have them. Weren't you missing some skid plates or something up under there too or why did you buy some oem ones?

There are also new ones up under the front to brace the radiator support that were added to the 5th Gens. Those are the ones that need spacers for SR5/Limiteds when lifting so the sway bar doesn't rub on them.

32 Bracket, Suspension R 51225-35040 $94.80
L 51226-35060

Thanks for the info Harper! Are you sure ALL 5th gens. should have it? Not just LTDs/ TE's? So, since I don't have them, what do you think I should do?
Try to get it under warranty?

I wasn't actually missing any skids.....I bought some OEM TE skids from another member. The gas tank skid worked out great (replacing the SR5's half-skid). I also bought the "middle skid" thinking the TE's had something extra the rest of us didn't. It actually just ended up being the second half of the front skid (which all 4r's have)....my mistake.

I know I could have gone the Budbuilt route, but i just felt it was overkill and I got a good price on the used OEM ones.

Anyway.....If someone else out there with a SR5 could take a look under their truck and confirm where or not you have these supports I'd really appreciate it.

 

[cmills]

I went and looked and mine does not have them either.

 

[KCcarguy]

Thanks man. Well. Looks like I need to make a parts order.

 

[Ukie]

Thanks man. Well. Looks like I need to make a parts order.

What about warranty? Do we have any reference (except diagram provided by harper) to backup that frame reinforcement should be installed on SR5 models?
BTW, mine doesn't have it either.

 

[KCcarguy]

What about warranty? Do we have any reference (except diagram provided by harper) to backup that frame reinforcement should be installed on SR5 models?
BTW, mine doesn't have it either.

The only info we have is this thread as far as I know. I looked up the part numbers on multiple sites and, indeed, they are listed for FJs, 4th gens, and 5th gens. HOWEVER, they're listed only for 2010. Could there have been a change made for the 2011 SR5's? (I know 2011 TE's still have them).

Toyota Parts - Toyota Parts Cheap.com

Toyota Parts - ToyotaPartSales.com

-Anyone out there with a 2010 SR5 wanna take a look for us?

I wonder why they left them off? Maybe they assumed us SR5 guys would stay on the pavement? :ybrick:

 

[NHinAK]

I can tell you 100% that my SR5 does NOT have them and my trail does. There's no way Toyota forgot them on two vehicles.

I have pictures of the undercarrage of my SR5 if you want me to post them. My Trail is currently at the dealer so I couldn't snap pictures of it until tomorrow.

ETA: Both my T4R's are 2011 models. So it could be year specific.

 

[KCcarguy]

I can tell you 100% that my SR5 does NOT have them and my trail does. There's no way Toyota forgot them on two vehicles.

I have pictures of the undercarrage of my SR5 if you want me to post them. My Trail is currently at the dealer so I couldn't snap pictures of it until tomorrow.

ETA: Both my T4R's are 2011 models. So it could be year specific.

Yeah. Comparison pics would be awesome! :hatsoff:

Also, could you take a look under your SR5 and see if there are holes pre-drilled corresponding to the brace attach points on your TE? I see some on mine that look like they're in the right spot, but without a side-by-side comparison I'm not sure.

 

[FERAL 4R]

Those tubes you are talking about are not really there for frame stiffening per se, but are for protecting the catalytic converters, aka "cat protectors".

I discarded mine on my FJ when I put new skids on. They're sitting in my garage if you want them....

 

[desertred]

......HOWEVER, they're listed only for 2010. Could there have been a change made for the 2011 SR5's?....

I just checked on my 2010 and they are not there. I bought my SR5 in January 2010.

 

[terra4r]

Alright, I'm intrigued now. I can't think of what this piece accomplishes, especially since its called a "suspension bracket" and comparing it to differences between all three models but only found on two... I don't have it.

 

[KCcarguy]

Those tubes you are talking about are not really there for frame stiffening per se, but are for protecting the catalytic converters, aka "cat protectors".

I discarded mine on my FJ when I put new skids on. They're sitting in my garage if you want them....

PM sent.

 

[angrydog]

Here with a 2010, and I don't have it.

Just to be safe, is this the part everyone is referring to?

 

[terra4r]

Yes. At $100 per, don't really seem worth it. If you're going to spend $200, apply that $ to getting full skids.

 

[KCcarguy]

Just to be safe, is this the part everyone is referring to?

Yep. That's what we're talking about.

Yes. At $100 per, don't really seem worth it. If you're going to spend $200, apply that $ to getting full skids.

I completely agree. And you're positive this is a protective piece and doesn't add any strength?

I'm actually surprised Toyota would put so much effort into protecting the cats. They don't seem to be in that vulnerable a position.

And why leave the SR5 out? Cost-cutting?

 

[FERAL 4R]

I think, and I'm no engineer, that if they were intended for strengthening, they would be welded rather than bolted to the frame. I guess in theory, they could add strength to an extent...So I will stick with a protective piece rather than for strength.

PM replied.

 

[terra4r]

I looked around a bit on the fj forums and they have them, 4th gens had a variation of them. I looked in a 4th gen repair manual and they are called "front suspension member bracket" as well and are more flat in shape.

I don't see this piece, what appears to be just tubing flattened on the ends, adding any structural rigidity to the frame, given the 6 or more other cross members. Aside from that, they use relatively small bolts, torqued to 24ft-lbs.

A theory could be since the #3 cross member hangs a little lower in comparison to the frame rails, that the brackets could be providing some protection from larger rocks/ledges making their way up there at your front tires come off an obstacle, like sliders if you will. Aside from cost, it just doesn't make sense why they wouldn't be included on the SR5 4WD.

 

[BJ Cruiser]

It is amazing how many items Toyota have cost engineered on the 5th generation 4Runner to save a few dollars. It makes it really difficult to add stock parts from other ranges within the same model. The most annoying is the wiring harness, which really limits upgrades or changes in features.

The FJ doesn't follow this logic and they all share the same base parts throughout the range.