🔧 Tacoma - Strut Replacement

On your Tacoma, the front suspension uses strut assemblies (coil spring + shock together). The rear uses shocks (not struts). The steps and required tools change a lot depending on whether you’re replacing the front struts only, rear shocks only, or doing all four corners.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-6 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Never loosen the center nut on top of a strut while it’s assembled; the spring can release violently.
• ⚠️ Support the truck with jack stands; never rely on a floor jack alone.
• ⚠️ Keep ABS/brake hoses from stretching when the suspension droops.
• ⚠️ If reusing springs, a spring compressor is required and can be dangerous if misused.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• Breaker bar (1/2")
• Torque wrench (1/2", 30-250 ft-lbs range)
• Socket set (8mm-22mm, 1/2" drive)
• Wrench set (10mm-22mm)
• Pry bar (24")
• Needle-nose pliers
• Penetrating oil
• Paint marker
• Spring compressor (specialty)
• Allen key set (metric)

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front strut assemblies - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Front strut mount kit - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Rear shock absorbers - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Rear upper shock bushings/hardware kit - Qty: 1
• Front sway bar end links - Optional if worn - Qty: 2
• Anti-seize compound - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels (if doing front work).
• Loosen lug nuts slightly before lifting (use a breaker bar).
• Quick questions (reply with 1 & 2):
  • 1) Are you replacing front struts, rear shocks, or both?
  • 2) For the front: are you installing complete pre-assembled struts (“quick struts”), or reusing your springs (requires spring compressor)?

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Confirm your configuration

• Reply to the two questions in the “Before You Begin” section.
• Once I have that, I’ll give you the exact front and/or rear procedure for your Tacoma, including all torque specs and alignment notes.

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✅ After Repair

• Get a front-end alignment any time the front struts are removed.
• Road test at low speed first; listen for clunks and recheck lug nut torque.
• Recheck visible fasteners after a short drive. New suspension can settle slightly.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $600-$1,800 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $250-$1,200 (parts only)

You Save: $350-$600 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-6 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.