Broken Front Struts

I'd like to see the broken surface.

 

Actually had this happen on my parents '10 at some point in the spring. My moms been using the truck all winter, but she has a short commute with smooth roads. I got under it after taking it to get gas and it feeling "weird." Driver side front strut had sheared the same way as yours, OP. Passenger side was fine. Original shocks with about 182k on them. I would chalk it up to age and fatigue. But frankly, the time to change a lot of the original psrts was when you were getting your frame replaced. Take care of that new one

 

Most shocks need to be replaced at around 50K miles, although you may get 80K to 100K out of higher-end ones. They may not physically break like this, but they no longer work as dampers. They are a wear item, not something you run until complete failure.

 

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. After 11 days of waiting for these to come in the mail and to be installed, these Bilstein 6112's set at the .6" ride height have resolved the issue. I spent more money than I wanted but I got a quality product. It's worth it since my truck only has 80k miles on it and I want it to last a long time , especially since I'm in snowy NY state.

 

I don't buy this. I had my rears off a couple of months ago when I did my u-bolt flip kit and they were a real booger to compress enough to get back on. My truck was at about 115,000 miles then.
I haven't checked my front struts lately as far as compression goes, but they don't appear to be leaking.

 

Leaking is just seals, and compressing by hand is only low speed compression damping. The internals are what makes a damper actually work, and you can't see that wear. But do your research, Google is your friend. Be safe.

 

THIS!

 

Well, that may be a valid point. I'm probably going to upgrade next year so I'll see if it feels any different. I know my rear springs are sagged out, but when I'm on uneven ground, the truck articulates well and doesn't lose traction like my stiff, old T-100 did. My Taco just feels WAY more planted. For that reason alone, I'm reluctant to change anything.
I'd like to know others thoughts on shock/strut life based on real world experience.

 

There's no doubt that the age and environment justifies replacement but I think a Toyota technician that does frame replacements can probably shed light on how both of them are broken at the same time.

 

My ‘06 driver side sheered just like that.
IMG_5391.jpg
I replaced both with some Amazon struts, and then learned that broken struts are a symptom of a worn front end. Explained the recently developed squeaking and creaking from the front. Ended up replacing the whole front end (UCA, LCA, ball joints, tie rods, tie rod ends, sway bar links) and the squeaking is gone. LCA’s were definitely seized, had to cut everything out. Eliminated the squeaking and creaking, think she’s good to go.

I bought the TRQ front end kit from parts geek for like $320, as well as UCA and LCA bolts for another $70, since I had to cut them all out. Add $140 for the Amazon struts, $120 for Amazon CV axles, and another $45 for the driver side differential bearing and special puller tool. Boat load of work, but did it all myself for about $750.