Serviceable (sealed) vs Non-servicable (non-sealed) Strut Info

[REAPER STRAIN]

I just got off the phone with Ray From Tokico USA and here is some answers to questions many of you have been asking.

92-94 Gen3 come with either servicable (inserts) or non-serviceable struts. If you have sealed (non-serviceable) struts you have to get the sealed strut replacement (unless you go to the salvage yard and get the strut housing assembly). But if you have serviceable struts you can go either way. The difference is removing the original strut assembly housing and going with the sealed strut which already has the assembly built on.

They say that the sealed struts for the 92-94 Gen3 are dealer items only (ie their isnt a aftermarket replacement for it). But when asked if the insert's housing assembly was removed could the sealed struts from the 95-96 model be used instead. The answeris yes. They stated the manufacturer (Toyota) specifies that Tokico's sealed strut (for the 95-96) can be used instead of the servicable ones. Just remove the old assembly. The model number for the sealed struts are Tokico HB3179 & HB3180 for the front and HB3181 & HB3182 for the rear.

He also stated that telling the difference between sealed and non-sealed struts is tricky. If you think you have servicable struts and try to take it apart you will most likely damage the strut if it turns out to be sealed.

The odvious draw back is that the sealed struts are a bit more expensive. Like 30% more. But if you have servicable struts (or dont know what you have) and dont want to go through all of the headaches then it is safe to get sealed ones. They are all blue and give your ride a nice look.

Hope this helps. I've been through 2 pages of posts and half of them left us hanging with one important question or another. Hence making it necessary to start a new post asking the same questions all over again. I am all for using the SEARCH button (its the most important feature we have) but I ask that all the experienced members answer these questions more often. Still want to give some of you your props cos I saw the same good answers from different members. Thanks in advance

[Toysrme]

Good first post.