Suspension Dry Rot

I was told by a shop my shocks and suspension were dry rotten. But the trucks got 80k miles and never been off road. I was told I needed a new set of struts sway link and outer tie rods. What does anyone think?

Added a picture of the whole suspension at the front not sure if anyone is able to open please let me know


https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui...564057&th=1847d94ee1ac3999&view=att&disp=safe

 

Hah what? I think they are trying to take advantage of you.

From those 2 pics, your shocks look perfectly fine to me.

 

With that milage could be true. The pictures dont really show what wed nees to see.

 

It’s the rubber that will dry rot, so those pictures don’t tell anyone anything. But if the rubber is not split, don’t worry until it does. Also at 80k those shocks are probably shot anyway, ignoring any dry rot.

 

Why would they be shot at 80k? That’s nothing. The guy doesn’t even off-road his truck.

Stock suspension on my 2007 ranger was still working great at 165k miles, I don’t see why stock Toyota suspension wouldn’t.

 

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui...564057&th=1847d94ee1ac3999&view=att&disp=safe

 

Many people don’t realize when shocks are not working at their prime. But on Toyota Bilstein branded shocks (which I believe those are), I’ve personally never had more than ~60k use from them. Infact I don’t think I’ve ever owned a vehicle where the shocks lasted 80k, without at least a rebuild.

 

Dry rot occurs with wood, not metal (dry rot is a fungal infection).

Someone is trying to take you for a ride. Your shocks look fine.

 

and if i never take the truck off road, would a block and spacer lift be ok?

 

Like I said, all 4 shocks were still working just great at 165k miles on my Ford, master craft brand.

 

Is it Friday already

 

Take a good look at the bushing. Look for excessive movement, usually clean spots or rust are indicators of movement. Also look for deep cracks. Not surface cracks. If you don’t see anything like that, they are fine.

As for the shock condition, push down on each corner of the truck. If the shocks are worn out the truck will keeps bouncing. If the truck settles really fast then the shocks are fine.

Always get a second opinion... too many rip off artists out there...

From that picture, I see no excessive movement or bushing failure.

 

Did you have a specific problem they needed to diagnose, or did you have other services done and they said hey, you need a new front end?

 

Those Billsitein lower strut grommets will look off-center and split/cracked from day one. Totally normal.

 

It’s the rubber parts they mean, not metal.

 

How did you know shocks were “fine” at 165k that seems insane to me. Most are worn out by 100k … performance shocks wear out in 20-50k miles

 

We can't see pictures in your email account. You'd need to download the pictures to your device and upload them here. See the "upload a file" button" in this thread? However, photos don't tell the full story. You'd need to unbolt the shock from the lower control arm and visually check the rubber bushing. Maybe it's torn or cracked. Folks in my off-road club have seen this happen in less than 40k miles, 99% on pavement driving. The rubber bushings are replaceable, but usually uneconomical vs just replacing the shocks. Swaybar links and outer tie rods can develop play. If you aren't mechanically inclined, take it to another indie shop for a second opinion.

 

Sorry OP
Dry Rot exhibit A

 

Buddy's OME shock after two years. Apparently our streets are rougher than the Australian Outback

 

Man I love a good Tuesday post