Replacing Struts...DIY? (1 Viewer)

[TimTX]

Mine are Ok, but they are not OEM. PO put some yellow ones on. Im thinking OEM might smooth our the ride a bit and be a little project I could do in the garage during my quarantine time at home. I did this to my 4X4 Ranger so I assume this would be similar. FYI, I don’t offroad much, mainly easy driving on pavement.

I have a 99, Texas truck with no rust. Thoughts? Also, please provide a link to the OEM struts at a good price (I read $40 on other posts?)

TIA

 

[JunkCrzr89]

Yellow shocks are the worst shocks. OEM is the ticket to a happy ride! Shock Absorber - Does not include retainers - Toyota (48511-69585) | Toyota Parts

48531-69835 - Shock Absorber (Left, Right, Rear) 1998-2007 Toyota Land Cruiser | Ourisman Toyota Parts

Save Money On Your Shock Absorber (Left, Right, Rear) (4853169835) For Your 1998-2007 Toyota Land Cruiser When You Shop With Ourisman Toyota Parts!

toyotaparts.mcgeorgetoyota.com

 

[Brandon Ryder]

it's not a strut. a strut is a coil over the shock. you just need shocks. they are simple to change in the front and extremely annoying to change in the rear.

 

[TimTX]

it's not a strut. a strut is a coil over the shock. you just need shocks. they are simple to change in the front and extremely annoying to change in the rear.

Why annoying? Do I need special tools or remove things?

Your right, OEM shock. I don’t think they are shot, just looking to smooth things out a little...and a little project during this “Stay at Home”

 

[Brandon Ryder]

Why annoying? Do I need special tools or remove things?

Your right, OEM shock. I don’t think they are shot, just looking to smooth things out a little...and a little project during this “Stay at Home”

they're really hard to get at. you need to drop the spare tire and get up in there and while holding the shock from turning with vise grips you need to remove the top bolt with extremely limited space. i wish i bought a 22mm ratcheting wrench. it took me an hour just to remove the two top bolts of the rear shocks with two open ended wrenches.
all the rest is trivial. put it on jacks, remove a wheel and unbolt shock and bolt new one on.

 

[TimTX]

Sounds pretty straight forward. Current shocks (yellow in color) have about 75K miles or so on them. Thinking putting some OEM’s might smooth things out a bit and be a good project.

Anyone have a link for cheap OEM shocks?

 

[JunkCrzr89]

Sounds pretty straight forward. Current shocks (yellow in color) have about 75K miles or so on them. Thinking putting some OEM’s might smooth things out a bit and be a good project.

Anyone have a link for cheap OEM shocks?

I linked them in my post above

 

[TimTX]

My bad, your right. Thanks!

 

[TheForger]

@TimTX Hey I have the proper 22mm ratcheting flex-head wrench that is the easiest tool to use on the rear shocks. I can ship it to you if you'd like, since you're just 1 state away it'll probably get there within 2 business days. Let me know if you want to go that route, it's much easier than doing 100 quarter turns with a non-ratcheting and non-flexhead open ended wrench. All I ask is that you ship it back whenever you get finished with it (no rush). First you will need to make sure the top nut is in fact 22mm by seeing if a socket or other wrench will fit on it, some aftermarket top nuts are 19mm.

If you would rather purchase it yourself so you can add it to your tool collection, search Amazon for "22mm Gearwrench Flexhead Ratcheting Wrench"

 

[TimTX]

I’ll need to check. Appreciate the offer and i’ll send you a PM if I go that route.

is OEM that much smoother than my “yellow” ones. They aren’t shot, just looking to smooth things out a little. Seems like most people recommend the OEM as they are smoother than other shock options.

 

[2020 Rocks]

I replaced my shocks a few months ago with OEM, the ride is very nice IMHO. Many people like the OEM more than just about any other after market shock. If you do a lot of off-roading, which you mentioned you don’t, folks seem pretty keen on Fox shocks but they are a bit pricey.

 

[nissanh]

OEM is the way to go. Those have everything, good ride quality, lasts longer and cheaper. I replaced all 4 about 4 years ago. Had to drop the rear spare to reach the top shock mount.

 

[TimTX]

Haven’t had to drop the spare. How is that done?
Thanks for the insight guys...always appreciate help from other LC owners

 

[JunkCrzr89]

is OEM that much smoother than my “yellow” ones

YES.

 

[TimTX]

Front and Rear OEM for about $225, including shipping? Really? Seems like a fun weekend project...

I pulled the trigger. I'll post a review and maybe some pictures...

 

[TimTX]

Ordered them Tuesday, arrived today.

I borrowed some ratchet wrenches from work, jack and jack stands.

One question, where should I put the jack stands? I want to jack it, put the stands and have the jack to lift the control arm in front or axle in the back if need be to get the shock in to tighten bolts.

Any words of advice before I start tomorrow AM? I’ll take pictures and do a before/after review. Also, im interested to see what kind of shape the old/yellow shocks are.

TIA

 

[JunkCrzr89]

Ordered them Tuesday, arrived today.

I borrowed some ratchet wrenches from work, jack and jack stands.

One question, where should I put the jack stands? I want to jack it, put the stands and have the jack to lift the control arm in front or axle in the back if need be to get the shock in to tighten bolts.

Any words of advice before I start tomorrow AM? I’ll take pictures and do a before/after review. Also, im interested to see what kind of shape the old/yellow shocks are.

TIA

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All of the shocks can be replaced without lifting a single wheel off the ground. No need for a jack or jackstands...The shocks are compressible/extendable by hand.

But if you want jack it up, place jackstands under the frame rails.

 

[TimTX]

All of the shocks can be replaced without lifting a single wheel off the ground. No need for a jack or jackstands...The shocks are compressible/extendable by hand.

But if you want jack it up, place jackstands under the frame rails.

Really? That would make it a lot easier, but I figured the new shocks would be stiffer than something I can push with my hand.