Extended strut studs vs aftermarket strut mount on second and third gen Taco

Hi,

I just purchased a set of extended strut mount studs in order to use a thicker front spacer but it looks like the jobber strut mount I purchased had bigger serrated studs pressed in it. I checked online for another strut mount brand but it's not that obvious to see with the small pictures and also because sometime the picture and the part in the box itself doesn't match.

To put some numbers on that. Extended studs are basically 10mm serrated base and the jobber strut mount I have and most of them for what I can see are 12mm so the stud is completely loose in the hole. I don't want to tack weld it, I'd like to perform the modification it a proper way.

I would be very happy if I could have a report of someone who used a certain brand of strut mount and who had success with the studs install/replacement.

Many thanks

 

How much spacer lift are you going for? The stock tophats can take up to a 3/8" spacer with a lower profile nut. Maybe even as much as 1/2" But I have only done 3/8 for sure. This will get you about 3/4 of lift.

After that you can then switch to the 3/4" spacers (1.5" lift) that will require you to trim down the stock top hat bolts, and the spacer has its own way to attach to the bucket.

Once you get to the 1" spacer (2" lift), then you dont need to trim down the studs.

 

When I did my 5100s back when I first bought the truck I just reused the factory top hat and replaced the studs with longer ones. Pounded out the original studs with a hammer and then installed the longer ones by pressing them in by hand and then tightening the nut to get them seated all the way. This was a Toytec kit that came with the longer studs to be used with the factory top hat.

 

Toyota top plate will work, that is true. Their studs are 10mm serrated size. I was keeping it as my final option but I have many struts to mount so if I can find a cheaper option than purchasing brand new Toyota top plate I'd try it first.

Thank for your reply.