Anything to consider when replacing front struts/coilovers?

[Crowcifier6]

I'm prepping to replace my front coilovers. For time, cost, and convenience, I've decided to go with a quick strut, fully assembled from NAPA. They are half the price of Toyota OEM ($150/side vs $300).

Other than the steering rack, I've gone through and replaced most of the front end suspension with OEM (UBJs, LBJs, ITRs, OTRs).

Is there anything else that should be considered when I go in to replace the coilovers?

 

[4restGump]

Brakes?

 

[Crowcifier6]

Thanks forgot to mention I put new pads on not too long ago.

 

[jross20]

Bushings?

 

[Crowcifier6]

Which bushings are you referring to?

 

[ajskowron]

UCA/LCA bushings if you’re into it. Quick strut should come with new bushings

Just did front 5100s yesterday from 10+ year old shocks and the top nut gave me trouble. Didn’t help my Harbor Freight spring compressors are on their way out

Quick struts will certainly be easier


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[Crowcifier6]

I'll look into the control arm bushings, thanks.

 

[Crowcifier6]

Decided to stay with my springs that are probably stock, and putting in OEM tokickos.

I’m not sagging in front but believe the shocks are going bad....afraid new Napa springs will be to high or low.

Anyone know what comes with the front shocks from Toyota, or if I’ll need to order any hardware with them?


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[Bad Luck]

Decided to stay with my springs that are probably stock, and putting in OEM tokickos.

I’m not sagging in front but believe the shocks are going bad....afraid new Napa springs will be to high or low.

Anyone know what comes with the front shocks from Toyota, or if I’ll need to order any hardware with them?


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As in Landcruiser Tokico's with stock height springs?

 

[phattyduck]

Decided to stay with my springs that are probably stock, and putting in OEM tokickos.

Good choice, since you have a lighter 4-cylinder truck... And the OEMs will last another 20 years, unlike any quick struts out there.

-Charlie

 

[Crowcifier6]

As in Landcruiser Tokico's with stock height springs?

No, I'll basically just replacing the front shocks within the coils, with the stock Tokicos, That's what the rear were, anyway.

I like the idea of using OEM as much as possible, that's why these trucks last so long right? I'll use aftermarket for wear items like brake pads, fluids, etc., but Toyota knows how to make parts that last. Worth it to spend a bit more on crucial parts.

 

[Crowcifier6]

Good choice, since you have a lighter 4-cylinder truck... And the OEMs will last another 20 years, unlike any quick struts out there.

-Charlie

Thanks, I never considered the weight dif between the 4 and 6 cylinders, but it makes sense.

Way I see it, if the springs wind up getting tired down the line, it will be a good excuse for an all around suspension lift...

 

[Sarki]

May want to consider replacing upper strut mounts as they definitely deteriorate based on age & mileage.

 

[Crowcifier6]

May want to consider replacing upper strut mounts as they definitely deteriorate based on age & mileage.

Thanks, they look to be in good shape. The truck was garaged for most of its life, 1 previous owner was an elderly driver, so I’m lucky, not a lot of rust under there.

Anyone know which shocks I need? My model number is RZN185-L, and Toyota lists two different parts....

 

[Crowcifier6]

Found on the McGeorge Toyota parts site that apparently one shock is for a 16 wheel, the other is "W/O 16" rim.....why are these shocks almost $200/piece?

Spring compressor came in the mail the other day, just have to scratch a little more cash together to get the shockingly priced shocks

 

[Sarki]

Found on the McGeorge Toyota parts site that apparently one shock is for a 16 wheel, the other is "W/O 16" rim.....why are these shocks almost $200/piece

Exactly why I went with the KYB’s at all 4 corners.
Intended to go OEM but when I saw the price of the fronts I had a hard time justifying it. I did go OEM front & rear with the springs but KYB with shocks/struts.........zero regrets, very happy with the results.

 

[Brian.]

.....why are these shocks almost $200/piece?

And that was why I opted for something else as well. I mean, they're good for what they are but for the same price you can have Better.

Curious as to why you Bought a spring compressor tool? Unless you plan on doing lots of spring compression, just use the free loaner tools from the autoparts stores. They can be kinda junky, or brand new... (the one I rented was brand spanking new), but free is free. Kinda the difference between Buying an airplane because you need to fly somewhere once vs renting a seat on one.

 

[Crowcifier6]

Exactly why I went with the KYB’s at all 4 corners.

Intended to go OEM but when I saw the price of the fronts I had a hard time justifying it. I did go OEM front & rear with the springs but KYB with shocks/struts.........zero regrets, very happy with the results.

Thanks I’ll look into the KYBs

 

[Crowcifier6]

And that was why I opted for something else as well. I mean, they're good for what they are but for the same price you can have Better.



Curious as to why you Bought a spring compressor tool? Unless you plan on doing lots of spring compression, just use the free loaner tools from the autoparts stores. They can be kinda junky, or brand new... (the one I rented was brand spanking new), but free is free. Kinda the difference between Buying an airplane because you need to fly somewhere once vs renting a seat on one.

I usually rent with the pricier tools like radiator pressure tester ($300) or bearing presses, but for $30 I don’t mind the small investment. I’m a tool junky.