Hard time finding struts for my 97

[redreef]

I'm a new guy so be patient . . .

I live in Utah and struggling to find anyone that stocks, or for that matter, can even order struts for my 97 SR5. I know I can go to the dealer and get OEM's but that seems to be about my only option. I can't believe it!

Surely many of you have found better alternatives so I'm asking . . . what other options have you found??

Thanks

 

[khaug]

Third Gen 'Runners don't use "struts".

In the front, they use a coil spring over a tubular shock absorber. To replace either, you need to remove the spring-shock assembly, then disassemble it using a spring compressor (Carefully!!!).

In the rear, coil springs and tubular shocks are again used, but the shocks are mounted outside the coils instead of being concentric like they are in front.

Good luck.

Edit: If you're looking to change the shocks, I'd highly recommend Bilstein sport shocks (Not the ones marketed by
TRD). They made a huge improvement in the handling of my '98, at the expense of a slightly firmer ride.

 

[brianh]

Can someone else confirm that the front of a 97 4runner (Ltd 4-wheel drive) uses shocks not struts? I'm pretty sure its shocks too, based on this forum and when finding parts online, BUT the local shop's computer shows that I need struts up front, so we're not sure. Will take the car in later so they can check it out, but in the meantime I'd like to know ahead of time what to expect....

thanks

 

[4Evr4RunN3R]

the 4runner does use shock absorbers front and rear. If the shop you are going to says it uses struts, i would suggest finding another shop before your truck ends up with the wrong parts.

 

[Ron Helmuth]

I have some highly discounted myself

I have Bilstein shocks pre-built into 99 stock front springs-and held together with top plate courtesy of Irbis Off Road

I upgraded to an Old Man Emu setup. Shocks have about 30K miles on them and the springs about 70K.


Some folks kind of generically use the term struts when they really mean shock absorbers....

Shock Warehouse or Shocks.com is a good unbiased source to research.

Stay in touch or Private message me if interested in my setup.

Ideally you would match to Bilsteins in the rear-but the options are limitless.....

 

[brianh]

the 4runner does use shock absorbers front and rear. If the shop you are going to says it uses struts, i would suggest finding another shop before your truck ends up with the wrong parts.

ok, so with these responses and my research (as well as other forum responses - I'm trying to be as thorough as possible), 4runners are using "coil overs" which apparently look (and act) like struts but are actually shocks, as you mentioned.

http://www.hitachi-hap-la.com/TokicoGasShocks/products/index.html

The local shop is good, they were just going by what the computer said but want to look at my car just to be sure.