Alternatives to stock front shock "retainer, cushion"?

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

May want to flip that top plate over? :hillbilly: Also, the plates are unique, stamped L and R.

Welded it in instead.
Only kidding.
Took it off an painted it 1st.
 
By my math, that's only 16.....unless they take the same on the other end of the truck as well. Then all is forgiven.

As Tools said...

24 between the two 80s. I doubled up the rears as well since they are a little more difficult to get to.
 
As Tools said...

24 between the two 80s. I doubled up the rears as well since they are a little more difficult to get to.


All is forgiven. You have paid enough pennance.

Forgive me, my son, for I have wronged you.......
 
I'm in the very slow process of replacing/rebuilding a lot of parts on my '92. I was building a part list and noticed the damn cushion retainers are more expensive than the shocks! I need to buy these because the PO was an idiot and let midas or whoever replace the front shocks before. The left and right sides don't even match in size.
Anyway, this part is just an extra thick, stamped washer.

Does anyone know of a decent replacement part that isn't too expensive?
I tried the google, but that is only helpful if you actually know what to look for.

PM sent
 
Sheesh, do I just need to make a bunch of these with my next laser cut order? I can these done by the thousands and then cad plate em. Had no idea these were that hard to get. I don't have any spares so if someone has an actual LC one send it over and I'll see about producing a whole bunch.
 
Sheesh, do I just need to make a bunch of these with my next laser cut order? I can these done by the thousands and then cad plate em. Had no idea these were that hard to get. I don't have any spares so if someone has an actual LC one send it over and I'll see about producing a whole bunch.
I might still have some floating around the shop, will check tomorrow.
 
Sheesh, do I just need to make a bunch of these with my next laser cut order? I can these done by the thousands and then cad plate em. Had no idea these were that hard to get. I don't have any spares so if someone has an actual LC one send it over and I'll see about producing a whole bunch.

It isn't that they are herd to get. They are in abundance!
They are just stupidly expensive.

My guess, due to the thickness of the sheet material and the contour stamped in them, it takes a big press and they are probably only produced in Japan. Big equipment + a long boat ride = stupid high cost
 
It isn't that they are herd to get. They are in abundance!
They are just stupidly expensive.

My guess, due to the thickness of the sheet material and the contour stamped in them, it takes a big press and they are probably only produced in Japan. Big equipment + a long boat ride = stupid high cost

Yep, slightly domed, with a rib around the edge, likely to retain the bushing in the center. All of the shocks (mainly OME) that we install come with them, that is why we have spares.

I don't see having them cut, if you are good with flat ones, just use washers. They are ~50mm OD and 15mm hole.
 
Sheesh, do I just need to make a bunch of these with my next laser cut order? I can these done by the thousands and then cad plate em. Had no idea these were that hard to get. I don't have any spares so if someone has an actual LC one send it over and I'll see about producing a whole bunch.

Save your time. Make cool things!
 
If you know someone with a 50 ton punch press that does production parts, you can have them punched out of 7 Ga (0.1875" thk) or 10 Ga (0.1345) with a stretch hit (oversized die) to get them to dome just a bit, then send them off to be either CAD or ZN plated.

You should be able to get about 800 PC out of a standard 60" x 120" sheet. (512 out of a 48 x 96)

I know someone.........
 
Maybe, I just need to see one.

Pic? This is the stack that goes on the shock body side, only one centering washer is used on each stud.

Shock_bush_1.webp

Shock_bush_2.webp

Shock_bush_3.webp

Shock_bush_4.webp
 
So are you guys going without any of the specialty centering washers, and just going with all old-school flat washers? I bought a set of OEM shocks and was disappointed to find I needed that $$$ hardware, so they've been sitting on a shelf while I ponder what to do. I'd be happy to be another guinea-pig and try some flat washers if it's worth a shot.
 
I used the stainless washers in post 5. That was 5-6 months ago. No adverse effects. They fit pretty snug like the factory washers. Just aren't convex (or is it concave?).
 
I used the stainless washers in post 5. That was 5-6 months ago. No adverse effects. They fit pretty snug like the factory washers. Just aren't convex (or is it concave?).

Thanks a bunch. I used to work at Lowe's, so what should be a 5-minute shopping trip will probably turn into a half-hour reunion :)

When you installed them, did the studs on the shocks fit pretty snugly through the mounting holes on the truck? My only concern would be that it looks like the OEM washers are made to fit into the mount with the little lip so that there is no side-side play.
 
Yes. They fit snugly.

I currently work at Lowe's so it's a shameless plug for my employer. :)
 
Keep in mind one significant difference between regular fender washers and the OEM retainer which has the lip around the center hole to index the shock in the center of the mounting hole at the top and bottom of the front shock. A regular fender washer does not have this indexing lip or ridge to seat in the top and bottom shock mount. Using regular washers will allow the shock to migrate and knock around the mounting hole and lead to premature rubber cushion/bushing degradation and failure. For what is essentially a washer they are ridiculously pricey but are necessary for a proper install. Get to know your local Toyota parts person and let them know you buy a lot of OEM parts and you’ll likely get a discount if you ask for it.

8CCCE1CA-FF6C-4542-99F5-3B81022778C7.webp


623777B6-2381-4720-ADAC-1C1C0E791FDB.webp
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top Bottom