How to Replace Front Struts & Rear Shock Absorbers on a 2008-2022 Toyota Sequoia (Engine: V8 5.7L)
Step-by-step DIY instructions with tools, parts list, safety tips, and alignment/torque spec guidance
How to Replace Front Struts & Rear Shock Absorbers on a 2008-2022 Toyota Sequoia (Engine: V8 5.7L)
Step-by-step DIY instructions with tools, parts list, safety tips, and alignment/torque spec guidance for 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
🔧 Sequoia - Shock Absorber Replacement
On your Sequoia, the rear uses standalone shock absorbers, while the front uses strut assemblies (a shock built into a coilover). The steps, tools, and torque specs are different front vs rear, so I want to aim you at the correct procedure.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-6 hours (rear only vs all four)
- ❓ Are you replacing rear shocks only, front struts only, or all four?
- ❓ For the front: are you installing complete pre-assembled strut assemblies (recommended), or swapping the shock/strut cartridge into your original spring (requires a spring compressor)?
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- ⚠️ Support the truck with jack stands under the frame; never rely on a floor jack.
- ⚠️ If you’re doing front struts with the original springs, a spring compressor can be dangerous if used incorrectly (the spring stores a lot of energy).
- ⚠️ Keep hands clear of pinch points when lowering/raising the suspension arm.
🔧 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
- Breaker bar 1/2"
- Torque wrench 1/2" drive (30-250 ft-lbs range)
- Socket set 3/8" drive (10mm-19mm)
- Socket set 1/2" drive (14mm-22mm)
- Wrench set (10mm-22mm)
- Pry bar 18"
- Needle-nose pliers
- Penetrating oil
- Paint marker
- Flat screwdriver
- Safety glasses
- Mechanic gloves
- Coil spring compressor (specialty)
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Rear shock absorbers - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
- Front complete strut assemblies - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
- Front strut mount hardware kit - Qty: 1
- Rear shock mounting hardware kit - Qty: 1
📋 Before You Begin
- Park on level ground, shift to P, and set the parking brake.
- Chock the wheels that stay on the ground using wheel chocks.
- Loosen lug nuts 1/2 turn with a 21mm socket and breaker bar before lifting.
- Spray shock/strut bolts with penetrating oil and wait 10 minutes.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Confirm front vs rear procedure
- Reply with: rear only, front only, or all four.
- Also tell me if the front is complete strut assemblies or reusing springs (spring compressor).
- Once you confirm, I’ll give the exact Sequoia procedure with the correct Toyota torque specs for every fastener you’ll touch.
Step 2: What I need from you (no VIN)
- Tell me if your Sequoia has rear load-leveling/air suspension or standard rear springs (quick check: any “AIR” switch or rear height control).
- If you’re not sure, send a photo of the rear suspension area (shock and spring) and I’ll identify it.
✅ After Repair
- Get a 4-wheel alignment after any front strut work.
- Test drive slowly, listen for clunks, then re-check all visible fasteners for tightness.
💰 DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $500-$1,800 (parts + labor, rear only vs all four)
DIY Cost: $200-$900 (parts only)
You Save: $300-$900 by doing it yourself!
Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-6 hours.
🎯 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.
Guide for Suspension Shock Absorber replace for these Toyota vehicles
| Year Make Model | Sub Model | Engine | Body Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Toyota Sequoia | - | V8 5.7L | - |
| 2021 Toyota Sequoia | - | V8 5.7L | - |
| 2020 Toyota Sequoia | - | V8 5.7L | - |
| 2019 Toyota Sequoia | - | V8 5.7L | - |
| 2018 Toyota Sequoia | - | V8 5.7L | - |
| 2017 Toyota Sequoia | - | V8 5.7L | - |
| 2016 Toyota Sequoia | - | V8 5.7L | - |
| 2015 Toyota Sequoia | - | V8 5.7L | - |
| 2014 Toyota Sequoia | - | V8 5.7L | - |
| 2013 Toyota Sequoia | - | V8 5.7L | - |
| 2012 Toyota Sequoia | - | V8 5.7L | - |
| 2012 Toyota Sequoia | - | V8 4.6L | - |
| 2011 Toyota Sequoia | - | V8 5.7L | - |
| 2011 Toyota Sequoia | - | V8 4.6L | - |
| 2010 Toyota Sequoia | - | V8 5.7L | - |
| 2010 Toyota Sequoia | - | V8 4.6L | - |
| 2009 Toyota Sequoia | - | V8 5.7L | - |
| 2009 Toyota Sequoia | - | V8 4.7L | - |
| 2008 Toyota Sequoia | - | V8 5.7L | - |
| 2008 Toyota Sequoia | - | V8 4.7L | - |


















