I had a 91 4x4 truck but it had shocks and torsion bars for the front suspension. I bought, 1999 a Tacoma 4x4 ext trd. Since then I have put 120,000 miles on it. At 70k miles I put new struts on and have consistently replaced tires. It is on its fifth set of tires. Originally I replaced the stock 31" tires but then I decide since I don't offroad and only do highway to go with 255/70 instead. Now again the tires after 25,000 miles on them are cupped and the struts are needing replaced. Is this common with these tacoma's? Is there a remedy?
The Tacoma has shocks, not struts.
Whens the last time you rotated your tires? If you never rotate them the fronts will looked cupped after a while.
Cap'n
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vmax2007
Toyota is not any more "special" than every other company the media has targeted in the past.
'07 Toyota Camry LE
Toyota: Like other cars, only better.
by cupped do you mean they wear more in the middle than the outside? wouldnt that indicate wrong pressure? just a thought.
__________________
Stryker
07 Silver double cab, trd, 5.7l, 4x4
K&N Air intake, Zoomers 304 ss catback
All steel tool box topper. HD ladder rack. Makes one sweet work truck. Calgary, Alberta.
Its normal for the front tires to be cupped on the outside because of the cornering stress that gets put on them.
If you rotate them every 5,000 miles it will make the tires wear evenly.
Cap'n
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vmax2007
Toyota is not any more "special" than every other company the media has targeted in the past.
'07 Toyota Camry LE
Toyota: Like other cars, only better.
The Tacoma absolutely has struts for the front suspension. The tires wear heavily on the outside and inside edges. I have even adjusted the tire pressure assuming that tire pressure was the culprit on the tire wear. The tires have been rotated every 6,000 miles or every other oil change. It seems the back tires are fine but when they are on the front that is where the cupping occurs. I have had a toyota dealer adjust the front alignment because when I first purchased the truck it pulled slightly to the left. It has been realigned three times in the 120k miles I have on it. I just wandered if the struts and tires wearing out often was considered normal for the Tacoma. It doesn't seem to be the quality of my first Toyota truck.
The Capt. is right, They are shocks...they look funny but they are shocks. I work at an autoparts store in Maryland and they are labeled under shocks...not struts...Also, go to www.truckperformance.com or summit racing and look up for oooohhhhh i dont know...a 97 4x4 tacoma...it says front shocks...not struts. Not trying to pee oh anyones parade but I don't want people being mis-informed.
Yes, they are technically shocks, but look like struts and that wherein lies in the confusion. An alignment may be in order as well as a check in the tire pressure. Have you or the previous owner been in a accident causing the suspension to be misaligned? Check for loose bolts and nuts in the suspension. Just my 2 cents for you to take a look at.
A Strut has a shock as part of it's assembly of course. The components that make up a strut are the shock absorber, the mounting perch, the spring, and the strut mount. It's called a strut assembly.
basically, its just a coilover shock. Sping seats onto a support ring on the shock body and onto a perm. mount onto the frame where the shock is secured(top). the bottom of the shock is bolted to the lower control arm.
__________________
"Price reflects quality- You get what you pay for!"
if none of this works u might wanna try and find a harder tire. some tires just wear a lot quicker than others.
and the reason ur tires r gettin cupped is because of the stress from corners. if ur alignment was off then most likely u would have one tire that was messed up not both the front tires.
__________________
!!!SOLD!!! '83 SR5 w/ Cummins 4BT Turbo Diesel *Under Cons.* 6in Susp. and 3in Body lift on 35's
'99 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9L Cummins BD Super-B, CDT2, Custom 47RE, Adrenaline w/ Pulse, BD Hot Rod VP44, Airdog 165, BD XXX-Pulse 125's, Isspro EV2's
basically, its just a coilover shock. Sping seats onto a support ring on the shock body and onto a perm. mount onto the frame where the shock is secured(top). the bottom of the shock is bolted to the lower control arm.
The proper nomenclature when referring to parts on a vehicle, weapon, tool, or what ever, is determined by the operator/repair manual published by the manufacturer. Toyota refers to the hydraulic damper as a shock absorber. When assembled with the spring it is called the shock absorber/spring assembly.
In generic terms it is not improper to refer to this assembly as a strut or coil over assembly since it supports the vehicle's weight. A McPherson Strut not only supports the vehicle's weight, but also becomes or replaces the upper ball joint. Whether this part is on a truck or car is insignificant.
The idea that someone would jump all over someone asking for help because he does not use what you think is the proper nomenclature is very sad. He used a term, which clearly identified what he was speaking about, and it was clearly understood by everyone who read it. I think that is sufficient for anyone that wanted to offer constructive assistance could do so.
Now, if you are looking for a replacement shock absorber, I am very fond of Bilstein. Some feel that the ride quality is a little harsh, but I love the control they give since I tend to drive a tad fast. If you want something with a softer ride, but still gives great control then I would recommend Old Man Emu FIRM shocks. They ride really well but have very stiff rebound control for the handling you want on your truck. Now if you were an off roader or want the ultimate then I would recommend the Donaho Racing coil over assemblies. The ride quality is absolutely amazing. I have use all the dampers that I have spoken about and some others.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
tacoma 4x4 struts
Linear Mode
