top of front Strut is loose? Repair quote is $1450 - need help figuring out what exactly got damaged

Hello - hoping you guys can help save me from a $1450 quote I just got for a repair.

I bought my 2016 Tacoma TRD Off-Road with a Rough Country 6-inch lift kit with Strut Spacers, already installed. This link is to the the lift that is installed:
https://www.roughcountry.com/toyota...AAEALw_wcB&find=2016-toyota-tacoma-4wd-738569

My First time off-roading, the front driver side strut broke at the top AND bottom. Local mechanic installed two new Duralast struts from AutoZone on both front tires.

Here is new strut install



6 months later - I hear a lot of squeaking noises - Toyota Dealership said my front passenger side strut was loose at the top and has caused damage to the custom lift part.




In the image above, the strut is loose at the top.. it has pushed inwards and bent the metal in on the part circled in red. What the heck is that part? At first I thought it was part of the lift kit.. but then i started realizing it might just be the Strut Mount Kit that got damaged? Couse that part is only $80. However, the custom/welding repair shop quoted me $1450 for two new struts and welding repair on both sides.

What do you guys think? If it really is just the Strut Mount Kit damaged... and all I need is a new strut and new Strut Mount Kit... then I can just take it to a lift shop for a new install right? I might even ask them to remove the Strut Spacer and just put in a lifted Strut...


Hoping you guys have some recommendations for me! Thank you!

 

Thanks whatstcp, I am located In Phoenix, Arizona. I plan to take the truck into a lift shop today to see what they think. I think i'll get better results from them now that i have a better idea of what is damaged.
I read some pretty nasty reviews about strut spacers during my research and how they are not meant for off-roading, so to upgrade I am hoping it's just a simple matter of taking off the spacer to install a lifted strut.

Thanks for the recommendations!

 

Do you think I have to get specifically a Rough Country coilover designed for a 6" drop bracket lift? Or can I install any brand that makes 6'' coilover for drop bracket lift? Thanks for the tip on posting in the Arizona forum too. all shops are closed on Sunday - just my luck.

 

Quote:Local-mechanic installed two newDuralast struts fromAutoZone on both front tires.

I would take back to local mechanic and show pics, the strut was not even tight to start with..

 

Must be a special application.
Boutique KY Jelly?

 

I would, but I can’t, the damage and repair was done in Mexico.