Are 5th Gen Factory Struts Side Specific? (Front)

[tommyjay17]

I was wondering if the front factory struts (entire assembly) on a 2011 SR5 are side specific, or interchangeable? I’ve tried a lot of ‘Googling’, but can’t seem to find a direct answer. I’m having trouble getting it aligned after installing the Daystar 2.5/1.5 leveling kit, and wondering if the struts were possibly installed on the wrong side? And if so, could that explain the alignment issues? Thanks in advance [emoji1303]

 

[5thToy]

The front shocks are not left/right specific. 4Runners have a tendency to sit lower on the left side due to the driver, battery and gas tank all being on that side, but that's a spring length or rate issue.

edit: I realized my response might be pedantic and possibly confusing as I don't refer to them as struts. The shocks themselves won't care which side they are on, but the spring they are paired with may be different from left to right. I'm not 100% sure about that.

 

[daytonaviolet]

I don’t think so, but the ones with adjustable perches may need to be set higher on drivers side. This is to compensate for drivers side lean.

 

[tommyjay17]

I’m referring to the entire assembly (front shock and coil) - sorry if I didn’t explain that accurately in the post. Both front assemblies were removed, and the spacer mounted on top. If the drivers side assembly were accidentally relocated on the passengers side (and vice versa), could this affect an alignment (if they are indeed side specific)? I’m trying to eliminate it as a factor in my shop having trouble aligning it, or if I need to consider something else as the source of the problem (maybe they just aren’t good at alignments). Thanks again [emoji1303]


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[Javin028]

The struts aren't left/right specific, but the springs are.

 

[tommyjay17]

The struts aren't left/right specific, but the springs are.

Thanks for the response! Do you have any idea if the alignment would be tough if the springs were indeed on the wrong side? The shop I’m dealing with is saying they’re having trouble aligning it, without giving me any indication why. I think it might be time to bring it somewhere else either way - my frustration is maxed out. It’s been there for a week!


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[Javin028]

Thanks for the response! Do you have any idea if the alignment would be tough if the springs were indeed on the wrong side? The shop I’m dealing with is saying they’re having trouble aligning it, without giving me any indication why. I think it might be time to bring it somewhere else either way - my frustration is maxed out. It’s been there for a week!


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It’s possible the different heights of the springs are causing alignment issues. The springs have paint markings to identify each one. I’m not sure how accurate this site is, but hopefully it helps:

Toyota Spring Codes - Chi Town 4x4

 

[tommyjay17]

It’s possible the different heights of the springs are causing alignment issues. The springs have paint markings to identify each one. I’m not sure how accurate this site is, but hopefully it helps:

Toyota Spring Codes - Chi Town 4x4

Thanks for passing that along! I’ll go take a look to see - I finally got it back yesterday. After a second try, they were able to get everything within spec. - but it’s pulling to the right slightly. Thanks again


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[Saker]

Thanks for passing that along! I’ll go take a look to see - I finally got it back yesterday. After a second try, they were able to get everything within spec. - but it’s pulling to the right slightly. Thanks again


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The chart has the correct color code for the springs.
If you notice the coils on one side are closer together than the other.
FWIW, your truck shouldn’t pull if the alignment is good!

 

[02SE]

The chart has the correct color code for the springs.
If you notice the coils on one side are closer together than the other.
FWIW, your truck shouldn’t pull if the alignment is good!

If the tires wore unevenly due to the alignment being off for too long, the Alignment could be spot-on, and you might still feel a pull. Or some tires exhibit radial pull even from new. It is a tire defect, and can cause a pull.

 

[Saker]

If the tires wore unevenly due to the alignment being off for too long, the Alignment could be spot-on, and you might still feel a pull. Or some tires exhibit radial pull even from new. It is a tire defect, and can cause a pull.

You are definitely correct.
I was assuming tires were good & only addressing the mentioned situation.