79 Series Cruisier Rear Axel

G'day Mick M
Sorry to hear of the AXLE.
Sounds like you have has loose wheel bearings for a long time (no see) and the flex has produced high stresses at the flange. Loose bearings will often break axles at that point.

Driving like Miss Daisey at that particular time has nothing to do with it as the weight and the radial twist are the telling factors.
Loose bearings will also total a replacement axle too.

If the Travelander is quite heavy then the same will be happening to the other side axle as well
If, after pulling that axle, you can feel any looseness in those wheel bearings too.
I would replace both axles as the one that isn't broken yet will have received the same destruction forces and will be/highly likely close to breakage.

With a good look at the machined radius of the axle you may see a telltale hairline crack which hasn't let go YET. Soak with diesel, wipe clean and dust with powder to see if you get a wet line appear. Sure sign if you can't see the crack.


The other possibility is the rear axle housing is bent and not amount of correct bearing adjustment is going to prevent future axle breakage.
Maybe you might have to get the axle housing checked by a truck aligner (who straighten such faults) before continuing on your way.

DO NOT overlook the possibility the housing is bent. If it has bottomed it's suspension and you have felt, it then it is highly likely to be bent.

PS the break will have a gradual circular look to the break with the outer edges greyish and the centre of the break will be more fresh looking and granular in appearance.
Bearings or bent housing symptoms.

Sorry no help with suppliers, I'm from Vic.
Cheers
Ross M

This place is pretty good, I have used them a few times.

No connection with them , they list many parts and deliver quickly anywhere.

http://www.4x4world.com.au/HDJ79/landcruiser/parts/rear-axle/

Good luck

Cheers
Mike

I have the 2008 Troopy,
With lockers on, a couple of times I been on hard rock in low range and forgot to turn them off.
Made the wheels skip and squeal – it worried me that I might snap or fatigue an axle at the time.

just replace the axle.
terrain tamer are pretty good, go the fuji/ yukon axles.

i sheared both my axles using my air locker.

kept shearing the axle hub studs later.
ended up getting the arp stud upgrade through locktup..
no problems since.
they reckon the cone washers come loose and sheer the stud. i agree.

those cruisers are strong, no way that diff is bent as some are saying.
ive seen some of them heavily loaded and still fine.

lcool has a wealth of infornation compared to some bad advice here.
join up its free, and plentifull information from real landcuiser enthusiasts..
most are pretty friendly.

The best thing to do is get the axle and the diff oil analysed by a professional engineer who specialises in automotive investigative forensics.

Things just don't break for a reason and no point in replacing something until you know the root cause.

If it flailed from incorrect machining, poor heat treating or incorrect metal composite then their is a good chance you can claim of Toyota...... even if it is out of warranty.

As for axle bearings I would go genuine Toyota.