🔧 Front Struts - Replacement

This covers the front struts on your Tacoma. The front suspension uses a strut assembly, so the job is to remove the old assembly and install the new one, then have the alignment checked because strut work changes wheel angle.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 3-5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Support the truck securely with jack stands. Never work under a vehicle held only by a jack.
• The front spring is under high load. If you are replacing the complete strut assembly, do not disassemble the spring perch yourself.
• If the truck has any ABS wire brackets or brake hose clips attached to the strut, keep them from stretching or twisting.
• After the repair, an alignment is required.
• Disconnect the battery only if you need to move any electrical connectors near the strut tower. For most strut jobs, battery disconnect is not required.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• 21mm socket
• 19mm socket
• 17mm socket
• 14mm socket
• 6mm hex bit socket
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• Penetrating oil
• Bungee cord or hook
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front strut assembly - Qty: 2
• Front strut mounting nuts - Qty: 6

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Chock the rear wheels.
• Loosen the front lug nuts before lifting the truck.
• If your replacement is a complete loaded strut, make sure it matches the left and right sides before starting.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen and lift the front of the truck

• Use a 21mm socket to loosen the front lug nuts while the tires are still on the ground.
• Raise the front end with a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum).
• Set the truck on jack stands under the frame.
• Remove the front wheels.

Step 2: Free the strut from attached lines and brackets

• Use a 14mm socket to remove any brake hose or ABS wire bracket bolts attached to the strut.
• Move the lines aside carefully so they do not stretch.
• Do not let the caliper hang by the hose.

Step 3: Remove the lower strut bolts

• Use a 19mm socket and breaker bar to remove the lower strut mounting bolts and nuts.
• If the bolts are tight, spray them with penetrating oil and work them back and forth.
• Support the steering knuckle so it does not drop suddenly.

Step 4: Remove the upper strut nuts

• Use a 14mm socket to remove the upper strut mounting nuts from the engine bay.
• Hold the strut with one hand while removing the last nut.
• Remove the strut assembly from the vehicle.

Step 5: Install the new strut assembly

• Position the new strut in the tower and start the upper nuts by hand.
• Use a 14mm socket to snug the upper nuts, but do not fully tighten yet.
• Align the lower holes and install the lower bolts and nuts with a 19mm socket.
• Torque the lower strut bolts to 175 Nm (129 ft-lbs).
• Torque the upper strut nuts to 49 Nm (36 ft-lbs).

Step 6: Reinstall brackets, wheels, and lower the truck

• Use a 14mm socket to reinstall the brake hose and ABS wire brackets.
• Reinstall the wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the truck with the floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum).
• Use a 21mm socket to torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to 113 Nm (83 ft-lbs).

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✅ After Repair

• Drive slowly at first and listen for clunks or rubbing.
• Check that the brake hose and ABS wire have normal slack.
• Get a front-end alignment as soon as possible.
• Recheck lug nut torque after the first short drive.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $900-$1,500 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $250-$700 (parts only)

You Save: $650-$800 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 3-5 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.