I don't think the welds should look like that...

Hi all. New here but have been reading and researching on here for some time. Have been thinking about upgrading the suspension on my 2014 Tacoma 4WD for some time, and finally went ahead with it. I decided upon a Rancho leveling kit (I know there is some debate on them, but i don't do serious off-roading, just carry loads, tow things etc.. so was looking for an affordable and beefier option as well as an aesthetic upgrade).

They just arrived in the mail today, and when i examined the lower welds I saw something troubling. One strut has what looks like a paint bubble just above the lower mount--not a big deal--but just above that it looks like there's an incomplete weld. My first instinct is to return them, scrap the leveling attempt, and just put in some new Bilstein shocks/struts to replace my factory originals (60k miles) but wanted to get some other opinions.

Thanks!

 

@six5crèéd might know what to make of that?
He has done some custom welds on his rig.

 

Nothing at all wrong with those welds, it’s where the welder stopped. Won’t hurt a thing.

 

Kinda looks like it could be a blowout but hard to tell. It does looks like it’s on the same piece so 2 blowout wouldn’t really make sense then. Do what your gut tells you.
Maybe call them and get their opinion if you still feeling uneasy or try to find that gap in others pictures to see if it’s “normal”.

 

While the welds may be sound, there is no reason not to send them back for a replacement.

 

While the welds may be solid, your plan B is a better idea.

 

I would not install that. Even if the welds were solid, the hole allow will allow water/salt intrusion and rust them from the inside out.

 

The frame will rot before that rust and fails

 

This.