How to Replace Front Strut 03-09 Toyota 4Runner

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This video shows you how to replace a front strut on your 03-09 Toyota 4Runner.

This repair was done on a 2006 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4.0L Sport Utility 4-Door and the process should be similar on the following vehicles:
2003 Toyota 4Runner
2004 Toyota 4Runner
2005 Toyota 4Runner
2006 Toyota 4Runner
2007 Toyota 4Runner
2008 Toyota 4Runner
2009 Toyota 4Runner

Tools you will need:
• 19mm Socket
• 21mm Socket
• Side Cutters
• Cotter Pin
• Hammer

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⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While TRQ strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. TRQ is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[TRQ]

√ *Watch the Video*
√ *Do it Yourself*
√ *Save Money*

[jackbloznowski]

I will say you show the most efficient way of replacing these struts. I see other Youtube videos that loosen or take apart the ball joints and the control arm. A waste of time. I did mine today with your tips and it was a smooth strut replacement. Also you give the torque specs which saves me some more time by not having to look them up.

[tonyespino]

• 14mm deep -sway bar link (52lbs torque)
 • 12mm socket-skid plate
 • 21 mm deep- tie rod (67 lbs torque)
 • 15mm closed end wratchet wrench top of shocks (47lbs torque)
 • locking wrenck pliers -hold tie rod
 • 19 mm wrench+ 19mm socket- bottom of shock (100lbs torque)
 • hammer- loosen tie rod (dont hit thread side)
 • punch - push out bolts
 • long pry bar/cheater bar- push down lower control arm to push out shock loose

 awesome video sizes and torques, I hate searching for tools. Biggest life lesson learned when I went to school for surgical technology surgeons hate waiting on tools so I always make tool kits for the jobs, would have loved to learn this when I fixed tanks in the army.

[dvnftzgrld]

I will never go anywhere else for DIY videos for my 4Runner. This was perfect!

[ericrosolack]

Best repair video I've seen. Very clear, and you don't waste the viewer's time! Subscribed.

[boulderghost]

Fast. Efficient. Pro. Please make more 4Runner vids! Subscribed.

[JoeAmmo]

Finally, a series of videos that is good quality and provides clear instructions. Thank you!

[outofoder]

Really informative. I managed to do my struts within 3 hours. The OEMs have been on there for almost 200k miles and the bolts were a pain to remove.

[Tiny_rikk]

I just finished replacing my struts. The tops were fused, and I had to beat them loose. Thanks for the tutorial and the torque values!

[PG-gx]

Great video for all DIY out there, just don't expect this job to be as quick and easy...

[beazerd]

You make it look so easy, lol. I do this and it takes me like 2 hours. Thanks for the video!

[themechanic]

This works for a 2010 4runner 4x4, there are a couple cross members behind the skid pan that need to come off, then the sway bar.
I struggled for 3 hours during the disassembly, only to find the KYB stut plus will not fit due to a incorrect bushing insert.

Part on it's way back to rock auto for a 2nd try. Outer tie rod very difficult to remove, even with a mallet. I used a spare 3/4 drive extension and hit the top of the nut/bolt many times before it finally broke free. Some thread damage, but was able to turn back and forth to clean up the threads on reassembly. I'll be back at it in a couple of weeks with i hope correct strut.

Used a 6ft 2x4 as a lever placed the end on top of a tool chest to hold the upper and lowe control arms down, you will also need to turn the now free rotor assembly away from the lower bushing to allow just enough room for the shock to fall out into your hands.
Otherwise a great video- thank you very much

[EnigmaEngineering]

The 3 upper nuts per strut are 14mm on the 4th gen with X-REAS

[bennycato]

Excellent video. The camera work is phenomenal. Great job!!

[ThePanjatan]

Thanks much for Amazing well informed videos with torque, wrench specs and more. Amazingly in-depth video of Do's and Don't. You guys have the best videos for me to replace my brake and discs. I like to know if it's necessary to replace the rear disc rotor. I hear 70% usage of brakes are from the front so changing pads and rotors. Do rear rotors ever get warped!. I will be buying oem parts. Thank you for any feedback before i start my project. Any feedback on ceramic vs. metallic (oem) AND rotors slotted vs. cross drilled vs. regular (oem).

[Katmandu]

One of the very best repair videos I have EVER seen BY FAR ! Huge Kudos to you and the outstanding work of editing and camera work by that Cameraman ! Great job guys ! Can't wait to watch more of your videos !

[podamis]

Stabilizer bar mount bolts looked ok, but I soaked the threads inside the frame with oil anyway. They broke loose but bound up after a turn or so. I could feel the bolts were near snapping so I carefully worked them back and forth over that one turn. They didn't loosen any further. Tightened them back and gave up.

[amandaann]

You are an absolute Angel for this video. Thank you! 🙏🏽❤️
Made my life so much easier.

[robertosamfuego]

Great vid man!! Looking to change shocks on my 08 4Runner. Thanks!🙏🏼

[thgenhunter]

This is an incredible video!! Exactly what I needed! Thank you so much