This “issue” is being pushed by folks who sell aftermarket products… the cast aluminum piece that’s breaking during extensive testing and bashing on the stock suspension, in my opinion, is designed to fail. Would you rather replace an entire set of struts, or a retaining cap in your shock mount? Toyota has not released anything regarding this. I drive over speed bumps, through potholes, across bumpy job sites, and all without any issues. If something like this does happen, it seems like an extremely easy repair. Both Icon and TacomaGarage (I think) are making these top hat reinforcement plates, and then making it seem like everyone needs them or their suspension will break.
@ it’s just a wild theory, but I mean, doesn’t anybody find it awfully convenient that any posts or videos related to this topic have promotional links attached to them? If this was an actual issue on these new trucks, wouldn’t there be a lot more folks talking about it?? There are well over 100K of them driving around, and if the suspension was suddenly breaking from normal driving, Toyota would have definitely addressed the issue with a TSB at a minimum or a full on recall at worst.
Given all of the issues with smaller aluminum casts, things breaking on the Tundra, Transmission issues etc. I don't think it's a stretch that Toyota just screwed up and went too far with the shrinkflation here. Most people buy these trucks as commuters which probably won't see an issue unless you hit the perfect pothole scenario, however I bet some still will. Assuming the worst of people and not the worst of the profit driven corporation is an interesting take here.
@@TheCarGuyOnline I’m not assuming the worst of people at all though. It’s a smart way to market their products and make money. If you’ve ever driven on the streets in Baltimore, you’d know what kind of potholes I deal with every single day. I also drive on rutted up job sites and tracked up haul roads at my job daily. In other words, I commute and I USE my truck. Search on the forums… every post related to this “issue” is linked to a product. I’m not discouraging folks from buying anything if they want it, but I also think (my theory) the part breaking when under severe loads is intentional to protect the strut from bending. Arguing that Toyota “cheaped” out when we’re talking about a cast aluminum piece vs a steel plate, or not installing “frame mounted bump stops” (two pieces of rubber) instead of the shock mounted stops seems silly to me. How much money do you think Toyota saved here?? I’d argue these components are actually MORE expensive. Not to mention improved shocks, fully boxed frames, disc brakes all around, and on and on… that’s my take.
The reinforcement is designed to go on top of the strut while it's in the vehicle. You can put them on in five minutes with the vehicle sitting on the ground with the wheels on. Now we *shouldn't* have to do this, but the fix is pretty inexpensive and quick. Hopefully they redesign the top plate. Oh, and for reference, the torque spec for the nuts is 33 lb-ft for anyone who's going to install these. It could be worse, my Porsche has cast aluminum STRUT TOWERS. Those are known to blow out with hard impacts. I'd rather replace a strut mount than an entire strut tower. Oh, and you can't buy the strut towers. Only Porsche authorized body shops can. The cost to repair the strut towers is more than buying many entire used cars lol. Yeah, it's obnoxious.
I've Lemon Lawed my new Tacoma. I ponied up for Toyota's quality and reliability. However, those qualities are gone on the 4th Gen. No wonder these trucks are stockpiling up on dealership lots.
In your vid you show placing it on the top of the strut once removed but the directions seem to show placing this on top of the mounting area while still on the truck. Is there a reason for the difference?
Ok now trucks have bump stop on shocks now. By putting a spacer lift you got less travail and that causes more pressure on bump stop sitting on top. It happens with stock suspension also only if your going off road like a mad man.
What do you expect!? It's a redesign. Rule of thumb is to wait 2 years for all the bugs and issues to be worked out. Thanks to R4T for testing out the new Tacos and finding issues like these! Waiting until 2026 to get mine. In the meantime, my 21' Taco is doing just fine!
It does have an internal bump stop. Theoretically, this design works mechanically. The problem here is Toyota, for some god forsaken reason, chose one of the weakest metal, aluminum, using the weakest manufacturing method, casting, produced in a country with some of the worst QC in the world, to make the top hat mount. That's an issue waiting to happen.
If only someone had invented a bump stop that was external to the shock (let’s call it an external bump stop) so all that force wouldn’t go through to top… OH WAIT!
Well done Toyota! Look forward to see more price cut parts in the future.
Yep to much plastic I mean junk plastic. Especially on the interior. Definitely not worth the money.
No frame mounted bump stops + 2 piece cheap top hats = shocks blowing through top hats. We will also see aftermarket shocks blowing seals.
Oh yes! Test driving one was all I needed! Good luck on your new ride.
I’ve heard of that issue, I purchased the Icon reinforcement plates at under 1000 miles for my 2024 off road. Thanks for the informative video.
Weird that the people who have these issues sell these plates.
This “issue” is being pushed by folks who sell aftermarket products… the cast aluminum piece that’s breaking during extensive testing and bashing on the stock suspension, in my opinion, is designed to fail. Would you rather replace an entire set of struts, or a retaining cap in your shock mount? Toyota has not released anything regarding this. I drive over speed bumps, through potholes, across bumpy job sites, and all without any issues. If something like this does happen, it seems like an extremely easy repair. Both Icon and TacomaGarage (I think) are making these top hat reinforcement plates, and then making it seem like everyone needs them or their suspension will break.
I agree
@ it’s just a wild theory, but I mean, doesn’t anybody find it awfully convenient that any posts or videos related to this topic have promotional links attached to them? If this was an actual issue on these new trucks, wouldn’t there be a lot more folks talking about it?? There are well over 100K of them driving around, and if the suspension was suddenly breaking from normal driving, Toyota would have definitely addressed the issue with a TSB at a minimum or a full on recall at worst.
Given all of the issues with smaller aluminum casts, things breaking on the Tundra, Transmission issues etc. I don't think it's a stretch that Toyota just screwed up and went too far with the shrinkflation here. Most people buy these trucks as commuters which probably won't see an issue unless you hit the perfect pothole scenario, however I bet some still will. Assuming the worst of people and not the worst of the profit driven corporation is an interesting take here.
@@TheCarGuyOnline I’m not assuming the worst of people at all though. It’s a smart way to market their products and make money. If you’ve ever driven on the streets in Baltimore, you’d know what kind of potholes I deal with every single day. I also drive on rutted up job sites and tracked up haul roads at my job daily. In other words, I commute and I USE my truck. Search on the forums… every post related to this “issue” is linked to a product. I’m not discouraging folks from buying anything if they want it, but I also think (my theory) the part breaking when under severe loads is intentional to protect the strut from bending. Arguing that Toyota “cheaped” out when we’re talking about a cast aluminum piece vs a steel plate, or not installing “frame mounted bump stops” (two pieces of rubber) instead of the shock mounted stops seems silly to me. How much money do you think Toyota saved here?? I’d argue these components are actually MORE expensive. Not to mention improved shocks, fully boxed frames, disc brakes all around, and on and on… that’s my take.
I agree mine has been fine i use mine hard off road no problems
On a brand new truck. Cast aluminum top hat? What a joke.
All new trucks are like that now. It doesn't matter which one you buy.
@marklagace5728 the nissan frontier uses steel. So does the ford f150..Definitely not all built the same.
@jaytee3565 No, not 2024 models they don't use steel because they will rust .Ford ranger raptor are having problems with front shock top hat also.
Why not use your warranty? Or is it already void because of the mods?
Good question
Is there enough thread left on the shocks if using the 1.25” Peak spacers with the Icon plates?
The reinforcement is designed to go on top of the strut while it's in the vehicle. You can put them on in five minutes with the vehicle sitting on the ground with the wheels on. Now we *shouldn't* have to do this, but the fix is pretty inexpensive and quick. Hopefully they redesign the top plate. Oh, and for reference, the torque spec for the nuts is 33 lb-ft for anyone who's going to install these. It could be worse, my Porsche has cast aluminum STRUT TOWERS. Those are known to blow out with hard impacts. I'd rather replace a strut mount than an entire strut tower. Oh, and you can't buy the strut towers. Only Porsche authorized body shops can. The cost to repair the strut towers is more than buying many entire used cars lol. Yeah, it's obnoxious.
I've Lemon Lawed my new Tacoma. I ponied up for Toyota's quality and reliability. However, those qualities are gone on the 4th Gen. No wonder these trucks are stockpiling up on dealership lots.
In your vid you show placing it on the top of the strut once removed but the directions seem to show placing this on top of the mounting area while still on the truck. Is there a reason for the difference?
He removed the shocks to show you what it looks like better…
How did u guys break it? And have you seen taco garages reinforcement plate?
Ok now trucks have bump stop on shocks now. By putting a spacer lift you got less travail and that causes more pressure on bump stop sitting on top. It happens with stock suspension also only if your going off road like a mad man.
Toyota lets go places 😂 ya to the shop..
What do you expect!? It's a redesign. Rule of thumb is to wait 2 years for all the bugs and issues to be worked out. Thanks to R4T for testing out the new Tacos and finding issues like these! Waiting until 2026 to get mine. In the meantime, my 21' Taco is doing just fine!
That's what happens when you used recycled Modelos beer cans for the top shock plate. What else is made out of cheap metals ?
😅😂😂
Avocado from Mexico 🎉
That should be a freaking toyota recall/bulletin why does it get pass on to consumers to fix 🤦♂️
Can’t use a spacer lift with this new bracket I already check with Icon you will have to remove your lift kit for the bracket to work correctly!!!
Definitely curious how they didn’t show it installed in the video… did you ask ICON specifically about the Peak lift kit?
Yes 125%
No bump stops is the issue, poor design, cheap design
The shock is pushing through when it bottoms out.
It does have an internal bump stop. Theoretically, this design works mechanically. The problem here is Toyota, for some god forsaken reason, chose one of the weakest metal, aluminum, using the weakest manufacturing method, casting, produced in a country with some of the worst QC in the world, to make the top hat mount. That's an issue waiting to happen.
Some jeep vibes coming out of these new tacoma’s
Seems like cheap insurance and it’s so easy to install.
That aluminum top hat will probably still break underneath the reenforcement.
@@jdogtag567 if I recall the video launching these, they admitted as much. The intention is to get you home, not actually fix the issue.
If only someone had invented a bump stop that was external to the shock (let’s call it an external bump stop) so all that force wouldn’t go through to top… OH WAIT!
Toyota needs to go back to using steel strut mounts. Not even sure why the switch to cast aluminum. They're not even unsprung weight.
Cheap ass Toyota lol
what you think what you did to break that??
So does this mean that you must have a small spacer lift, just to use the OEM parts?
Another problem for the 4th gens. Womp womp.
What the heck happened to Toyota? Cutting corners on their vehicles? So glad I made the decision to buy a fifth generation 4Runner,
That engineer who was hired from Toyota to redesign has sabotaged Toyota….
toyota cutting corners and charging you more lol
2024 Tacoma is such a joke and cheaply built.
And over priced
New executives at toyota = Cheap quality built trucks.
Truly disappointed that Toyota is producing garbage. I'll keep my 2021 4runner thank you.
Toyota should be ashamed of
junk
The new tacoma are trash 🗑️
In my opinion 3 outta 5 friends that got it always had hella issues with there truck
I'm definitely keeping my 2019 trdpro. These 4th gens look cheaply made and obviously overpriced 🫢