First, what tire size are you running? What trails were you running? Area BFE? I ask because my front axle has spent 9 weeks on the trails in Moab over the past 14 years plus a Rubicon run without any issues. In fact, I have never had a trail break bigger than a twin stick shifter bending at the base and a engine leak after a rebuild.
My guess is your tire size plus welded front differential is putting a lot of stress on things compared to my 33s and 35s with open, limited-slip, and Aussie lockers ever have. Do you have hydro assist? I don't and sometimes cannot physically turn the wheels without backing and filling or playing games with the throttle. It seems that I am not strong enough to break things.
This last trip we ran across a trrggy on 42s and a Detroit front that had busted a heim join in his steering. He had no idea how much stress he was putting on his steering on the slick rock since he was from Ohio and it was his first Moab trip. The Golden Spike trail was easy for his build, but still broke his rig.
You may be outside the Toyota box with how you want to use your rig. Don't be stubborn while trying to defend Toyota parts of it risks trails repairs. It isn't worth it.
