I think I have bent a rear axle or flange. I plan to go into the axle this weekend.
I clamped a screwdriver to my leaf spring. Jacked the car up. Then ran the car in low/low/1 and the screwdriver almost touches for almost 2/3 a revolution then misses by 1/4 to 1/2 inch the remainder of the revoliution.

I am running Chromoly rear axles. I had several people tell me to save my money, run the factory axles, and carry a spare. I have 3-4 spares.

Does anyone with more toyota experience have any advice?

Whats axles are you running? I have been running stockers for years with no major issues, Just had one break due to major bindage in an undercut.

I'm switching to Chromo's this year, hope they are as strong as people claim.

Check the rim first.

AP chromoly axles.
I have 3-4 stockers and have heard they are solid.
Of course I will get this one warrantied. (If possible)
Really wondering if I should get a backup chromo or carry a stocker.

I will check the rim. Doesnt aluminum typically break not bend? Maybe a rumor. This is my first set of off road aluminum rims.

Did some checking today. I may be on a wild goose chase.
With the rear tires in the air I did the following and got these approximate results. Keep in mind this started because I could see that the rear tire was "toed" in and the camber was noticable while sitting in the shop.

Testing was performed while the truck was in low/low, 2wd, 2nd gear
Clamped a screwdriver to a jack stand and put it against the outer edge of the tire. 2/3 of the turn the screwdriver rubs. The remaining 1/3 the scredriver is about 1/8-3/16 off the tire.

Set screwdriver rig on the rim about 6" from the lugs. 2/3 of the turn rim touches screwdriver. 1/3 of the turn there is a 1/16-1/8 gap.

Removed tire and set the screwdriver rig against the brake drum. Same basic thing except the measurements were around 1 millimeter for the 1/3 the screwdriver is not touching the brake drum.

For the sake of argument I tried the passenger side. The results were near identical.

Two options at this point
beat the crap out of it and see if it breaks.
replace the axles so I can be confident in the upcoming competition season.

Would this be normal "runout" or minimal imperfections in the manufacturing process?
This minimal problem will be hard to get warranty coverage on. New axles and realted parts will be around $450.

Your suggestions would be appreciated.

Did some checking today. I may be on a wild goose chase.
With the rear tires in the air I did the following and got these approximate results. Keep in mind this started because I could see that the rear tire was "toed" in and the camber was noticable while sitting in the shop.

Testing was performed while the truck was in low/low, 2wd, 2nd gear
Clamped a screwdriver to a jack stand and put it against the outer edge of the tire. 2/3 of the turn the screwdriver rubs. The remaining 1/3 the scredriver is about 1/8-3/16 off the tire.

Set screwdriver rig on the rim about 6" from the lugs. 2/3 of the turn rim touches screwdriver. 1/3 of the turn there is a 1/16-1/8 gap.

Removed tire and set the screwdriver rig against the brake drum. Same basic thing except the measurements were around 1 millimeter for the 1/3 the screwdriver is not touching the brake drum.

For the sake of argument I tried the passenger side. The results were near identical.

Two options at this point
beat the crap out of it and see if it breaks.
replace the axles so I can be confident in the upcoming competition season.

Would this be normal "runout" or minimal imperfections in the manufacturing process?
This minimal problem will be hard to get warranty coverage on. New axles and realted parts will be around $450.

Your suggestions would be appreciated.

I've never bent an axle shaft. I've broken plenty. If the axle housing is bent then the tire won't wobble it will just sit with too much or too little camber or toe of it's bent forward or backward. If the wheel is bent it will but so what. If the shaft is bent it will wobble but so what. I don't think a bent axle will necessarily break easier as every one i've broken has been all the way in at the splines. Having said that, I keep plenty of spare axles so I'd just throw another one in and see what it does or move the tire/wheel to another location and see if it wobbles. Why are you looking at your rear wheels anyway, the trail is in front of you!?:D

Thanks For The Input.
I Noticed The Tire Looked Wierd In The Shop And Started Researching.

Were Those Broken Shafts Chromo Or Stock?

Thanks For The Input.
I Noticed The Tire Looked Wierd In The Shop And Started Researching.

Were Those Broken Shafts Chromo Or Stock?

3x stock, 1x cro-mo