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Replacing front struts - What do I need to put together a coilover

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by ps6000, Oct 24, 2017.

  1. Oct 24, 2017 at 9:28 AM
    #1
    ps6000

    ps6000 [OP] Active Member

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    I am replacing my front shocks and coils on my 2000 Prerunner TRD. If I was looking to buy all the part needed to put together a coilover unit what would I need to purchase. Strut, coils, mount, anything else?

    Does that plan even make sense, or should I just reuse what I have available?
     
  2. Oct 24, 2017 at 9:41 AM
    #2
    Glamisman

    Glamisman Well-Known Member

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    unfortunatly you wont know if you need the strut top mount until you ger her apart... If this is the first time that front shocks have been replaced then all of the factory hardware should be there. There is a special "locating" washer that centers the strut in the top mount on factory assemblys. I bought all of the factory stuff and ordred 2 strut top mounts from Lowrange and used them... they look to be a superior assembly. The lowrange units have a strut centering bushing molded into the top mount as oppsoed to the factory setup... I will try to take some pics and upload today to show the difference.
    She might also need lower ball joints and inner tie rod ends... anything with slop is going to have to be replaced... I hope this isnt your daily driver, these jobs seem to bleed into multi-day things.
     
  3. Oct 24, 2017 at 10:53 AM
    #3
    ps6000

    ps6000 [OP] Active Member

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    I am going to check today for any movement with the ball joints and the tie rods. Lets hope there is no movement. If the control arm is bad should I replace the entire control arm or just the ball joint?

    Thanks for offering to take some pictures. The top of the struts confused me with the strut mount, then the isolator which seems included with some strut mounts.

    I should have included that I am looking at replacing my struts with some bilestein 5100s. Was looking to put together the unit separately or have a shop do it (don't trust cheap spring compressors), and then install in my driveway.
     
  4. Oct 24, 2017 at 6:43 PM
    #4
    Glamisman

    Glamisman Well-Known Member

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    on the top is the stock upper mount with the center hole wallowed out due to missing centering washer, then a new factory centering washer and finally the aftermarket upper mount.

    IMG-0209.jpg
     

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