One of the best Toyota repair pages on the internet. Thanks for taking the time to do this. Mahalo from Hawaii. Please do a valve cover gasket on the 2.7 Tacoma engine sometime.
Pro tip, wait till the wheels are on and the truck is sitting on the ground to go back and tighten those upper nuts on the shock assembly. If you don't do this the added weight of the truck pushing up on those top bolts might not be as tight as you originally tightened them and they could rattle or worse eventually come loose which is annoying to hear or feel when your driving down the road knowing you just replaced the darn things.
After rebuilding my front struts on my 2002 PreRunner I wish I went with the quick strut. My only issue was the previous owner installed a space leveling kit. This made compression of the spring extremely hard as well as dangerous. All in all I got the job done but it was not for the faint of heart. Keep up the good work my friend.
Awesome video - thank you. Heads up...my 2002 V6 4WD TRD struts had accumulated 18 years of rust - all six of the 14mm nuts had to be cut off. Took many, many hours and even more choice words. In addition, the Monroe struts were a bit of a disappointment. The driver's side went on as easy as it did in the video. Not so the passenger side. The bottom of this strut was skewed, keeping us from setting it into the frame bracket. It took a solid hour+ for two of us to 'viggle, viggle' it into place where we could pass the 19mm bolt through and secure it. Regardless, killer video (and even better hat). Thanks again.
Used a recip saw with diablo metal blade to cut off the two more inner 14mm bolts and need to purchase an angle grinder for the outer 14mm bolt. Not a fun time at all. Luckily, bottom 19mm bolt was able to be removed with the impact. Rust blows lol
Watched some other videos and forgot to subscribe but didn't this time. Amazing video I had no idea it was so easy. I'll be ordering a set for my 04 tacoma today!
Great video! I also used Monroe Quick Struts on my 2000 Toyota 4Runner. They had a promo for $75 prepaid card when you bought a set of quick struts and a set of rear shocks so i did that as well. The top bolt of rear shocks is a PIA but got 'er done!
GREAT GREAT video! I had never changed struts on any vehicle. But your video gave me the courage to do it. I also purchased the same Monroe Quick struts. The only minor challenge was installing the lower bolt, but with some gentle prying by a friend, it was no problem. It feels great to do it myself - I know it was done right! My next project is changing the leaky valve covers - much more challenging, but I am sure with your "slow and careful" tips, I will accomplish it. You have the BEST videos! Thanks a million!
The lower strut bushings on Monroe and many other aftermarket don't last. They are small and if you live on a dirt road or offroad at all the bushing fails. Spend the few extra dollars and buy the Bilstein 5100 adjustable. My original Bilsteins on my 1998 Tacoma lasted 20 years.
Thumbs up for sure! I just got a quote from local garage for $969.00 for rear shocks and front struts on my 2012 Toyota Tacoma. They insist that a front end alignment will be needed after replacing the front struts and from what I can see on here, you haven't changed any configuration on the front that would require an alignment. Great video! Going to order shocks and struts off of Ebay and have at it on the weekend.
Toyota Maintenance God damn that sounds like a good rip off,you should really invest in a couple tools and do-it-yourself.its not that hard but to each his own.
Good video. Monroe are your average shock. My Explorer I noticed wear after 2 years. They are okay for road driving but not repeated off road use. KYB are good but they are a stiff ride. I like Rancho RS5000X shocks as they are a great all around strut/shock at a reasonable price. They are better than OEM.
Thanks for the video. I'm in the process of selecting struts for my 2002 Tacoma Pre-Runner Double Cab and thinking of buying the same Monroe parts. However, I've seen some on-line posts about Tacoma's being lower heights after installing these same parts and one guy bought the parts for a 4Runner. Thoughts, comments, suggestions....
Wouldn't removing the sway bar link allow the lower control arm to move more easily since there wouldn't be pressure from the other strut working against you? ...just asking. I just replaced the links on my truck, so they won't have the issues like they've been on for years. Thanks for the torque specs and video.
Great video! Center nut came with the right torque? My tacoma has exactly the same quick strut installed but it feels very stiff, the center nut looks like it has been tightened
The big center nut up top on the strut mount keeps the spring compressed. DO NOT take that big nut loose. The spring can fly out and injure you. If you just bought a strut, no assembly, you have to use a strut spring compressor and collapse that coil spring before taking the big nut loose. This is why many are selling the whole assembly. Less work and safer. Your question: Jack your vehicle up so the bottom control arm is relaxed in the down position. Don't jack under the lower ball joint. Jack on the frame and add a jackstand for safety
Love your 1st gen Taco. Toyota doesn't make trucks like that anymore(plastic intake manifold-yuk) 2 girls in a Jeep Wrangler T-boned my 1st gen Taco at 45mph. Do miss that truck.
I know this is an older video - but I am getting ready to look at replacing front and rear struts on my 2002 Tacoma PreRunner. I think there has been some changes at Monroe in more recent years, a buy out, or whatever, but are you still a fan of the Monroe Quick Struts? If not what do you recommend for replacement these days?
No its not neccesary. Only when you change control arms or tierod ends do you need an alignment. Driving down a straight road take your hands barely off the steering wheel. It should hold a straight line. If it drifts to one side then you probably need an alignment. Are other parts worn? Tire pressures equal? are other considerations.
Hi! Cool video and smoothly. Someone told me that I need special tools for compresser and should I need to buy torque bars digital like shows the number
when do you change out the shocks I'm over 60,000 miles on 2102 Tacoma when do you change the back brakes I didn't change my front brakes until 50,000 miles I'm not hard on my truck
I have three Toyotas so my backyard mechanic skills would rarely get used for myself. Thankfully, my daughters have older POS's which need a lot of attention!
I've read comments that the lower bolt should only be fastened and torqued under load (wheel on, truck on ground), as that places the lower strut bushing in a normal-driving load, and not doing so will result in premature lower strut bushing failure. I haven't seen it done in any video and haven't seen it in any written instructions. Any thoughts? Thanks!
I've since read the procedure for our old Lexus SC that they have you hand tighten the lower bolt(s) then bounce on the bumper several times to get it to settle (I imagine a short drive would work even better), then tighten to torque spec. I've since done this on a RAV4 and I could see the difference in the bushing around the bolt.
GREAT VIDEO SIR,.............BUT PLEASE USE MORE JACKS INCASE YOUR WOOD FLIES OFF THAT FLOOR JACK!! U SHOULD PUT MANY OTHER FLOOR JACKS AND JACK STANDS TO SUPPORT THE WEIGHT INCASE IT FALLS..... BETTER ASSURANCE IS SAFTER THAN SORRY!!
The old story you get what you pay for applies with shocks and struts. Monroe and Gabriel are your basic average shocks/struts. They are good for road driving. Off road not so well. I bought a set and done a lot of dirt and gravel road driving. They lasted 2 years. If you stay on pavement they will last longer. If you drive on the highway and go off road I found Rancho shocks to be great for the price.
Toyota Maintenance lol yea I definitely watched all your vids retaining to this situation. This weekend I'm going to get under the truck an check out that strut it's mostly on the left side. Just like everyone else but I'm going to do both. If you don't mind can you send me details on those shocks you bought an used
I have the old assembly off, but I cannot get the new one on. It won’t fit. It is the correct part, but there is not enough clearance to get the new part on, even with someone pressing down on the suspension using a crowbar. Now what? Seems like it was a bad idea to try this at home.
The part of the process that this video does not capture (beyond the phrase "a little wiggle wiggle") is the need for a friend the size of a NFL lineman to help pry the control arm down so the lower end of the strut can be aligned with the lower bolt hole. I recommend a long pry bar ( e.g., 4' in length ) for that; a common crowbar is unlikely to be sufficient. This part of the process is not for the faint of heart because there could be a 𝒍𝒐𝒕 of resistance in that control arm. It may take a healthy amount of force to push it downward; then someone must get the new strut aligned with the bolt holes on the control arm, and thread the bolt in. In my case, it was no easy task. If you have never done this before and the video leaves you thinking "Oh, this will be a total snap" -- be advised that it may not be. One tip. We did not do it when we changed out the driver side, but before taking on the other strut, we left the driver side on its jack stand and lifted both sides of the truck so that both were (safely) elevated. I believe it made some difference when it came time to arm wrestle with the passenger side control arm. Good luck.
One of the best Toyota repair pages on the internet. Thanks for taking the time to do this. Mahalo from Hawaii. Please do a valve cover gasket on the 2.7 Tacoma engine sometime.
I would love to....soon....
@@ToyotaMaintenanceso right strut is the driver side,
Left is the passenger side right.??
Pro tip, wait till the wheels are on and the truck is sitting on the ground to go back and tighten those upper nuts on the shock assembly. If you don't do this the added weight of the truck pushing up on those top bolts might not be as tight as you originally tightened them and they could rattle or worse eventually come loose which is annoying to hear or feel when your driving down the road knowing you just replaced the darn things.
Exactly! Monroe quick struts require torquing top 3 mounts on the ground or crush the bearing...
Top mounts should be fine, has to do more with rubber/poly bushings
Lol
does it creek really loud? I bought mine used and cant figure out where its squeaking. definitely up and down noise...
Looks easy. Got quotes from $700 to $900 to have this done. I think I'll order them and do it. 2004 tacoma TRD
After rebuilding my front struts on my 2002 PreRunner I wish I went with the quick strut. My only issue was the previous owner installed a space leveling kit. This made compression of the spring extremely hard as well as dangerous. All in all I got the job done but it was not for the faint of heart.
Keep up the good work my friend.
Had the same thing but 2 inch lift spacers changing to real lift now, shh I did one a few months ago
Awesome video - thank you. Heads up...my 2002 V6 4WD TRD struts had accumulated 18 years of rust - all six of the 14mm nuts had to be cut off. Took many, many hours and even more choice words. In addition, the Monroe struts were a bit of a disappointment. The driver's side went on as easy as it did in the video. Not so the passenger side. The bottom of this strut was skewed, keeping us from setting it into the frame bracket. It took a solid hour+ for two of us to 'viggle, viggle' it into place where we could pass the 19mm bolt through and secure it. Regardless, killer video (and even better hat). Thanks again.
Those Monroe struts are junk.
Used a recip saw with diablo metal blade to cut off the two more inner 14mm bolts and need to purchase an angle grinder for the outer 14mm bolt. Not a fun time at all. Luckily, bottom 19mm bolt was able to be removed with the impact. Rust blows lol
Viggle viggle it in! I walked around all day saying viggle viggle. Love your channel! Love my 3rd gen too!
NIICEE!
Watched some other videos and forgot to subscribe but didn't this time. Amazing video I had no idea it was so easy. I'll be ordering a set for my 04 tacoma today!
Great video, I loved all the torque specs you added, very helpful.
You need the torque wrench on the NUT, not the bolt head.
Great video! I also used Monroe Quick Struts on my 2000 Toyota 4Runner. They had a promo for $75 prepaid card when you bought a set of quick struts and a set of rear shocks so i did that as well. The top bolt of rear shocks is a PIA but got 'er done!
Nice....
GREAT GREAT video! I had never changed struts on any vehicle. But your video gave me the courage to do it. I also purchased the same Monroe Quick struts. The only minor challenge was installing the lower bolt, but with some gentle prying by a friend, it was no problem. It feels great to do it myself - I know it was done right! My next project is changing the leaky valve covers - much more challenging, but I am sure with your "slow and careful" tips, I will accomplish it. You have the BEST videos! Thanks a million!
good job !!!
The lower strut bushings on Monroe and many other aftermarket don't last. They are small and if you live on a dirt road or offroad at all the bushing fails. Spend the few extra dollars and buy the Bilstein 5100 adjustable. My original Bilsteins on my 1998 Tacoma lasted 20 years.
you did good my friend. I didn't realize it was so easy to replace.
Thank you...it is not very difficult....
Thanks for the great video ordered and replaced took 45 min!!!!!!!
Nice !!
Great video. Thanks for the helpful hints. Definitely looks like something I can do myself.
Thanks for posting, love your channel. Did you notice the ride height go up a little due to worn springs/strut?
Worked Great, i had no problems with his instructions. He made it easy for me.
glad to hear that
you made that look so easy I think I might try it!
Knows what he's doing
Great video thanks. Compared to the stock struts how do they compare? Softer or stiffer ride?
Thanks for the upload. If you had a shop (and I were in CA), I'd definitely be a customer. I appreciate your honest, direct explanations.
Thank you….
thank you for a great video!!
Awesome. I will be doing this next week. Thank you.
Thumbs up for sure! I just got a quote from local garage for $969.00 for rear shocks and front struts on my 2012 Toyota Tacoma. They insist that a front end alignment will be needed after replacing the front struts and from what I can see on here, you haven't changed any configuration on the front that would require an alignment. Great video! Going to order shocks and struts off of Ebay and have at it on the weekend.
Thanks for sharing....
Toyota Maintenance God damn that sounds like a good rip off,you should really invest in a couple tools and do-it-yourself.its not that hard but to each his own.
just remember with a simple socket set and crescent wrench you can change the back one without lifting the truck or taking off any wheel.
Alignment is a real good idea when doing suspension work, plus it will extend the life of ur tires. If u shop around alignment isnt expensive
Is this the same maintenance on a 2011 4-wheel drive 4runner? 🤔
Good video. Torque before or after the suspension is loaded? Shock instructions say after, but videos and manual say otherwise.
Failed to remember the passenger side replacement! Hahaha good one! Thanks for sharing your skills.
my pleasure
Not true its there, its just hidden Ha ha.
Very clear video, thanks!
you are welcome, glad you liked it !
It's beautiful I love it !!!
Good video. Monroe are your average shock. My Explorer I noticed wear after 2 years. They are okay for road driving but not repeated off road use. KYB are good but they are a stiff ride. I like Rancho RS5000X shocks as they are a great all around strut/shock at a reasonable price. They are better than OEM.
It is a great video with excellent instructions, Thank you very much...
you are welcome
I got a quote last week for 1200$!!! I replaced the rear struts for 80$ and the fronts were only 105$ for both. Monroe is the way to go.
Good Job !
VERY INFORMATIVE VIDEO MY FRIEND & KEEP DOING DOING IT PLEASE BECAUSE YOU HELP US TO GET MOTIVATED AND DO IT OURSELVES THANKS 😀👍👍👍👍
Thanks for the video. I'm in the process of selecting struts for my 2002 Tacoma Pre-Runner Double Cab and thinking of buying the same Monroe parts. However, I've seen some on-line posts about Tacoma's being lower heights after installing these same parts and one guy bought the parts for a 4Runner. Thoughts, comments, suggestions....
Thanks for sharing this video, great information.
thank you for the video. now I can fix my Toyota.
nice
Wouldn't removing the sway bar link allow the lower control arm to move more easily since there wouldn't be pressure from the other strut working against you? ...just asking. I just replaced the links on my truck, so they won't have the issues like they've been on for years. Thanks for the torque specs and video.
Great! Thanks for posting!
you are welcome.....
Thank you for sharing that’s awesome
Great video! Thanks
you are welcome....
Thanks for posting
you are welcome...
How are the struts holding up? I need to replace mine on my 2002 4Runner. Was looking into the same set.
Nice video. Thank you.
Easy job, thanks for sharing!
you are welcome
Excellent tutorial! if I could give this 100 likes I would, but I can only give it 1. Thank you!
you are welcome
Grate video thanks
Thanks that was helpful
you are welcome….
Ive heard quick struts may have different diameters on the springs than OEM, which may affect ride quality. Have you seen any issues?
Great video! Center nut came with the right torque? My tacoma has exactly the same quick strut installed but it feels very stiff, the center nut looks like it has been tightened
great!!! you are awesome!!
thanks....
Do you need an alignment afterwards, especially if using lifted struts?
Good job.
Hey peter is it the same procedure to install the bilstein 5100 s ?
Great video. Did you have to do anything to get the pressure of the spring? Or does jacking up the vehicle get rid of the tension in the spring
The big center nut up top on the strut mount keeps the spring compressed. DO NOT take that big nut loose. The spring can fly out and injure you. If you just bought a strut, no assembly, you have to use a strut spring compressor and collapse that coil spring before taking the big nut loose. This is why many are selling the whole assembly. Less work and safer.
Your question: Jack your vehicle up so the bottom control arm is relaxed in the down position. Don't jack under the lower ball joint. Jack on the frame and add a jackstand for safety
I attempted a few torque wrenches and somehow failed to use them. Urs appears easy, digital. Can u tell us what model it is? Hope it’s not too pricy.
Love your 1st gen Taco. Toyota doesn't make trucks like that anymore(plastic intake manifold-yuk) 2 girls in a Jeep Wrangler T-boned my 1st gen Taco at 45mph. Do miss that truck.
Thank you Brother
good jobs a lot of help
glad to hear that.....
What brand are those replacement shocks and where did you get them?
Have a 2003 tacoma i bought used and it was lowered, by replacing the front strut assembly would it restore the truck to
the original ride height?
Thanks for the video really helpful, it someone knows if these Front Struts fit on 1997 Toyota 4runner 2wd V6?
Did you find out? I gotta 98 4runner 2wd V6.
Do you have a video about changing the steering strut?
good video.
Thanks....
What if I have a two inch lift on my truck, do I need a different size
Where are your Jack stands? Remember safety first.
I know this is an older video - but I am getting ready to look at replacing front and rear struts on my 2002 Tacoma PreRunner. I think there has been some changes at Monroe in more recent years, a buy out, or whatever, but are you still a fan of the Monroe Quick Struts? If not what do you recommend for replacement these days?
Well explain thank u .
Nice
excellent
Thanks
Where are you from Peter because of your accent,great video by the way as always
do i have to do a front end tire alignment after install of new struts...?
No its not neccesary. Only when you change control arms or tierod ends do you need an alignment. Driving down a straight road take your hands barely off the steering wheel. It should hold a straight line. If it drifts to one side then you probably need an alignment. Are other parts worn? Tire pressures equal? are other considerations.
Very nice! How do you know when it’s time to replace your struts?
That's what I'd like to know too? How do you know you aren't just doing it for really no gain?
@@2028end it feels like your gonna die when your going speed over bumps
Hi! Cool video and smoothly. Someone told me that I need special tools for compresser and should I need to buy torque bars digital like shows the number
My torque wrench isn’t digital. Just dial it in and you should be good to go!
Just don’t drop it! 😳
when do you change out the shocks I'm over 60,000 miles on 2102 Tacoma when do you change the back brakes I didn't change my front brakes until 50,000 miles I'm not hard on my truck
I have three Toyotas so my backyard mechanic skills would rarely get used for myself. Thankfully, my daughters have older POS's which need a lot of attention!
cool...
Anyone recommend this shocks!?? Are good ?
The right would be passenger side right ?
NIICEE!!
I've read comments that the lower bolt should only be fastened and torqued under load (wheel on, truck on ground), as that places the lower strut bushing in a normal-driving load, and not doing so will result in premature lower strut bushing failure. I haven't seen it done in any video and haven't seen it in any written instructions. Any thoughts? Thanks!
That would be the right way to do it
I've since read the procedure for our old Lexus SC that they have you hand tighten the lower bolt(s) then bounce on the bumper several times to get it to settle (I imagine a short drive would work even better), then tighten to torque spec. I've since done this on a RAV4 and I could see the difference in the bushing around the bolt.
👍thanks
👍
Done at a pace i could follow.
RR
Where can i buy an orginal toyota repair manual for my 2005 avensis?
contact dealer, or Ebay.....
GREAT VIDEO SIR,.............BUT PLEASE USE MORE JACKS INCASE YOUR WOOD FLIES OFF THAT FLOOR JACK!! U SHOULD PUT MANY OTHER FLOOR JACKS AND JACK STANDS TO SUPPORT THE WEIGHT INCASE IT FALLS..... BETTER ASSURANCE IS SAFTER THAN SORRY!!
No!!!!!
What does it mean tocoma pre runner? Is that the actual model? Would this fit a 4 runner 2WD?
do u have the links all this parts
Where did you order the struts ? Thank you!
I think these were from O'reily
Is 49K miles on 2015 the right time for front brake job?
how thick are brake pads ?
I live in Monroe Oregon
then this video was for you…..
Are these good when driving ?
The old story you get what you pay for applies with shocks and struts. Monroe and Gabriel are your basic average shocks/struts. They are good for road driving. Off road not so well. I bought a set and done a lot of dirt and gravel road driving. They lasted 2 years. If you stay on pavement they will last longer. If you drive on the highway and go off road I found Rancho shocks to be great for the price.
is this in svveeeeden
Is this for the infamous squeaky front end problem?!?! Mines a 2002 an have the same problem. If this works I'm doing it
well, you need to diagnose it first...then you replace bad part....I have more videos about this issue on this channel..Enjoy.
Toyota Maintenance lol yea I definitely watched all your vids retaining to this situation. This weekend I'm going to get under the truck an check out that strut it's mostly on the left side. Just like everyone else but I'm going to do both. If you don't mind can you send me details on those shocks you bought an used
numbers for shocks are visible in video...good luck, have fun, be safe !!!
Dildo Swaggins
I have the old assembly off, but I cannot get the new one on. It won’t fit.
It is the correct part, but there is not enough clearance to get the new part on, even with someone pressing down on the suspension using a crowbar.
Now what? Seems like it was a bad idea to try this at home.
The part of the process that this video does not capture (beyond the phrase "a little wiggle wiggle") is the need for a friend the size of a NFL lineman to help pry the control arm down so the lower end of the strut can be aligned with the lower bolt hole. I recommend a long pry bar ( e.g., 4' in length ) for that; a common crowbar is unlikely to be sufficient.
This part of the process is not for the faint of heart because there could be a 𝒍𝒐𝒕 of resistance in that control arm. It may take a healthy amount of force to push it downward; then someone must get the new strut aligned with the bolt holes on the control arm, and thread the bolt in. In my case, it was no easy task.
If you have never done this before and the video leaves you thinking "Oh, this will be a total snap" -- be advised that it may not be.
One tip. We did not do it when we changed out the driver side, but before taking on the other strut, we left the driver side on its jack stand and lifted both sides of the truck so that both were (safely) elevated. I believe it made some difference when it came time to arm wrestle with the passenger side control arm.
Good luck.
Just paid $950 after taxes and wheel alignment. I wish I had time to do this stuff...
thanks for sharing
Very Easy to work on that vehicle..plenty of room.
yeah….
$80? KYBs from rock auto are $53.
Those monroes are junk. The springs will go limp after a year or so.
Monroe shocks are crap
Stop talking like that
👍
thank you