[haryv]

Correct me if I am wrong on front strut replacement. Unbolt top three bolts that hold the strut mounts to shock tower. Unbolt the lower mount bolt to control arm?

Use bottle jack or pry bar to pull the lower control arm down and pull out shock/strut spring assembly. Use strut spring compressor to compress spring. Use vise grip to wrench tight on square end of shock tube end after, box end wrench is on nut. Remove nut. Then remove shock top plate. Is the strut screwed into the strut assembly? need a Vise to hold it in place? I will be working by my self. Allot for labor times or, add more time?

Done a couple struts in my time on cars, just never a 4runner.

[simpletallman]

Yeah, that's sounds about right from my experience. If you don't wanna use a bottle jack to push the lower control arm down though, you can disconnect the sway bar link and just push it down with your foot in order to get the lower strut/shock bolt out. Yes, it's a good idea to hold it in place with a vice while compressing the spring. After removing the top plate, the spring should come right off. Also, if you take them off the vehicle, most shops will change the springs over to your new shocks for about half hour worth of labor... maybe $40... you can usually haggle for a job like that.

[cackalak han]

I had a friend stand on the strut assembly with a piece of carpet draped over invade the compressors failed. Be very careful doing this. Also, I'll save you some cursing and time on the rear shocks. Get a sawzall and cut them off.