On the 78-series Land Cruiser the steering rods run low and ahead of the axle, right in the line where the front wheel picks up whatever sticks out of a rut. A bent rod is not just ruined geometry — it is also the risk of driving home with the wheel locked off-centre.

6.0 mm aluminium. Rival specifies 6.0 mm aluminium in silver. On a part as narrow as a steering rod guard, thickness is what counts: the plate has to survive an impact on its edge rather than across its full face.

Installation. The plate bolts into the factory mounting points and the required fitting kit comes with it. No cutting, no welding.

Fitment. Toyota Land Cruiser 78 with the 4.2 l diesel, model years 2007 to 2023 — Rival's technical description lists the vehicle as current production.

This is one of those plates you notice only by its absence. On a truck used for expeditions, where any steering repair means a standstill, guarding the rods is cheap insurance.