Well folks, wierdest thing happened, could've killed me, while turning into a parking spot at work, having just drove to lunch and back, i heard a little "pop" from the front end, i thought "what was that." Then while I repositioned the truck in the spot another pop and the steering went limp, no response. Found the center link to the steering system broke clean at the pitman arm. Called my Toyota parts boys, got one on order, towed my truck to my hanger at the airport where tools are, replaced it the next day. Folks my truck is a '97' this link should not have broken, I have seen 200K trucks with the original links. It could have killed me and others, the dealers i talked to have never sold this part ever, turns out to be a defect in the link, the date on the link proves it was the original. Be careful, I was very lucky, i don't off road my truck. I have a call into the Toyota rep he and i are going to have a talk. How many of you out there have had to replace this. p/n45451-34010, i was lucky the Cincinatti warehouse had 4 in stock.
William Gabay 97 T100 xcab 4x4 sc.

yep Sunrise had photos not long ago of his......think I'm gonna order the new one tomorrow and go ahead and slap it on. BTW Sunrise didn't yours break at a slow speed also? Don't you know of others this has happened too?

Here ya' go Drag link failure

So far it only happens during slow sharp turns. Glad you are safe.

Yep, mine broke as I was pulling into my Mechanics garage.
I was delivering bottled water at the time. Lucky me.

If you don't feel Toyota is giving you satisfaction, let them know you intend to document the cases from this site and inform the appropriate Fed agency (NTSB?.) They keep databases of critical defects / failures like this - they are especially interested in defects which have the potential for catastrophic results (like losing your steering!) They can and will order recalls / warranty repair for serious defects. It may turn out that Toyota can trace this to one bad lot of links.

You can post your complaints HERE

I checked mine, no sign of cracks or rust. Thanks for the link SunRise, looks like there are 4 complaints for the 95 T100, none on this issue. I checked on my wife's 2000 Durango while I was there - 976 complaints... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

34 total complaints on the '97... 7 for drag links<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

Make: TOYOTA
Model: T100
Year: 1995
Complaint Number: 8019240
Summary:
WHILE TRAVELING ON 30MPH ON THE HIGHWAY GOING AROUND TO THE OFF RAMP. AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING THE STEERING WAS LOST. THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM.*JB


So its not just a slow speeds.
there are a ton of complaints for the 95 there is even the T100 listed two difrent was to throw you off I guess.

What's the problem? Just stick your leg through the gaping hole in the firewall where the clutch bracket rotted off and move the steering rack with your foot . . .

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

...or swap the necessary items out to run Rock Rods.