Member - Nick (Kununurra) replied:

As far as I know they have modifyed the lower control arm and there are no more problems(there is also a recall on this).
I dont think the front diff is changed BUT I also dont believe there is a problem UNLESS you are giving it some curry in REVERSE.Its all in the style of diff.(not saying that is good)
They still sell 700 odd cruisers a month and you dont hear of many dramas now.

TerraFirma replied:

Nothing wrong with the 100 series cruiser , or lets put it this way, if you manage to break something on the 100 series then it would have most likely killed any other vehicle.

Notso replied:

Of course there are those who would say that no matter what you did to a toyota you couldn't make it as good as a nissan anyhow???

Crackles replied:

1: There appears to have been no attempt to replace the 100 series diff with anything stronger as a steady number of old & new cars still blow them up. IMHO if you intend driving one seriously off road requiring low range first I'd reinforce it with an ARB diff lock, a machined spacer & have it fitted by a diff expert not just a Toyota or ARB dealer.
2: Although Toyota have acknowledged there is an issue with the lower control arms on the independent model, the fix was just add a little weld to the existing bracket. For those contemplating loading their vehicle up & driving a high speeds over rough roads one of the reinforcing kits currently available would be good insurance.
With the next model not that far off it's unlikely any substancial changes will be made to the curent model.
Having said all that for 95% of owners the car is plenty strong enough. It's just fools like me who like to go where they probably shouldn't that will have the problems.
Cheers Craig.....
HZJ105 (4 blown diffs)

Flash replied:

Best mates 100 series is driven very very gently.
He just got it back yesterday after forking out for a new diff. Not happy, though I warned him it was likely...

Angler replied:

I heard the self levelling system has also been fixed and now it does in fact level when a van is dumped on the towbar.

New one will be a beauty if all the probs have been fixed.

120scruiser (NSW) replied:

There was a recall on certain vin numbers.
I recommend to get one and when you do the lift kit purchase the ARB strengthening brackets and stitch weld them to the control arm.
And also weld the crush tube internall around the inside of the control arm where the mounting bolt goes through on the rear mounting position if that makes sense.
No further problems or potential problems.
120scruiser