I've searched high and low on this forum and cannot find anything regarding replacing the front struts. Is the process as straightforward as it appears - jack up car, remove wheel, remove old strut assy, install new strut assy - or are there some pitfalls lurking in the shadows?
Gen 4 Front struts
- Thread starter zipdog
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AuSeeker
Elite Member
There are plenty of front "shocks" replacement topics on the forum. try searching for front shocks since they are coilover shocks instead of struts.
GeoFlory
Junior Member
Well, I've been contemplating removing the struts from my 4th gen. I was looking at them the other day, and they look very much like the struts on the 3rd gen. I have 140k on the original shocks, and I have been wondering if they should be replaced. I removed my front struts on my 3rd gen and it was straightforward as long as the nuts and bolts cooperate which if I recall they didn't want to, but I got them off. The trickier part was removing the springs from the struts. I did not want to replace my front springs, so I bought a spring compressor to compress the springs and remove them, and then re-installed the springs on the new shocks. It wasn't my favorite job, but it worked.
montijo505
Senior Member
Yes real easy especially if you buy assembled front shocks. If not you can Google the “no spring compressor method” and follow that process.
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Tironeous
New member
Super easy. If you don’t have a spring compressor follow what these guys did. A jack, jack stands, and normal hand tools are all you need. PART 1 TOYOTA TACOMA STRUTS INSTALL | No Spring Compressor - YouTube
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zguy1
Member
Thanks for sharing guys. That looks straight forward and easy. For those of us who have used DIY spring compressors at home, we can really appreciate this method. I know I do...
firebirdguy
Member
yes lots of threads on this topic here & tons of videos on youtube on how to remove the front shocks/springs as a complete unit. or download the toyota service manual for the proper procedure & torque specs.
best option if you arent looking for off roading stuff is the complete KYB coil over front shocks, they come fully assembled & you get new front coil springs. they have a very nice ride comparable to the stock OEM shocks but are about 10% stiffer valving & springs & gives the front about a 1" lift over stock. lifetime warranty & priced about $100ea for fronts & $40ea for rear.
best option if you arent looking for off roading stuff is the complete KYB coil over front shocks, they come fully assembled & you get new front coil springs. they have a very nice ride comparable to the stock OEM shocks but are about 10% stiffer valving & springs & gives the front about a 1" lift over stock. lifetime warranty & priced about $100ea for fronts & $40ea for rear.
sundance21
New member
Watch the ABS sensors. Really easy to stretch to the point of breaking.
MikeinNH67
Senior Member
It's pretty straight forward but helps to unbolt the lower ball joint bracket which Toyota makes really easy. If you want to do this on the cheap, find a set of new Gen5 pulloffs. They fit after removing about a millimeter of material from the lower eyelet. I got mine on e-bay, they looked like brand new and came off a 2019 truck I think. What a difference in ride and handling.
Justbuckstuff
New member
I havent messed with my undercarriage yet but I believe its just like my GX. One tip I have is when pulling the swaybar off, remove the nuts on the bolts and then pull the 4 bolts out of the frame so it is loose and then just pull it out easy. First time I did it, I jacked up the threads. if you need more room, dont be afraid to pull the CV axle nut off and move the hub out of the way. I didnt do it for that but I did it for my steering rack and it was nice. you dont need to pull the brake lines just be careful with them. hang it with bungees or ratchet straps. axle nut is a 35mm I think. also, hopefully you dont have the adjustable suspension because that is a pain to remove.
Toystory2
New member
Check YouTube, TRQ has a good video. His method includes removing the sway bar to make it easier.
I am also thinking about replacing my 4th gen shocks front and rear. Working up the nerve to do it myself. Let us know how it turns out.
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Toystory2
New member
Mine are also at 140k and they are very tired. Trying to get motivated to do this.
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Toystory2
New member
Thanks for the tip. Do these level out the front rake?
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firebirdguy
Member
they dont level the front 100% perfect with the rear but they do add about 1" over stock height. i have an 08 sport that had xreas at 140k miles, they werent leaking or anything but they were very tired & the front was sagging quite a bit from stock. the KYB gave a nice lift to the front & have an excellent ride on the street. very happy with them after 2+ years. heres a pic of the stance.
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Toystory2
New member
That looks great. I’m not too much of an off-roader, so those would probably be perfect.
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firebirdguy
Member
thanks. im not an off roader either, this is my daily driver that does some light towing & utility use. i didnt want or need the beefier off road suspension & tires, after some research on the best option for majority street use the KYB were easily the best value out there IMO.
if you go that route just be sure to buy the right 4wd or 2wd for your vehice & keep track of the L&R for the fronts. rock auto is usually the best price & check for any rebates from KYB.
AuSeeker
Elite Member
Unfortunately RockAuto at this time doesn't have both the left and right KYB front shocks for either 2wd or 4wd model listed, they have a right front 2wd, and a left front 4wd but not both sides for either model, so getting a front set is not possible at this time from them.
firebirdguy
Member
that stinks, i didnt check their inventory lately & im sure its due to covid like so many other companies that are back ordered or limited supply right now.
check other places & local auto part stores or call KYB & ask if theres a supply issue & when they expect to have more. rock auto could just be low on inventory at the moment.
