Parts for your 1990 Toyota Hilux surf-Strut mounts

1990 Toyota Hilux Surf – Are strut mounts used on this model?

Short answer: strut mounts aren’t used on the 1990 Toyota Hilux Surf (N130 series). Technical sources for this platform describe a front double‑wishbone, torsion‑bar independent suspension with separate shock absorbers, and a rear live axle with coils and separate shocks. Because it doesn’t run MacPherson struts, there’s no strut top bearing or strut mount fitted from factory.

Why that matters: a MacPherson strut carries vehicle load and locates the wheel, so it needs a strut mount and bearing at the body tower for steering rotation and isolation. On the 1990 Hilux Surf, wheel location and load are handled by the upper and lower control arms and ball joints up front, while the shock only damps movement. The shock’s top uses a simple rubber bush and washer arrangement, not a strut top mount with a bearing. Down the back, the live axle with coils also uses separate shock absorbers with bushes rather than strut mounts.

This can cause a bit of confusion because some manuals and forums mention a “strut rod” on similar-era Toyotas. That term refers to a tension/strut rod or radius arm bush in certain front suspensions, which is completely different to a MacPherson strut mount. On the N130 Hilux Surf, the correct service focus is on shock absorber bushes, upper and lower control arm bushes, upper and lower ball joints, sway bar bushes/links, steering linkage (idler arm, relay/centre link, tie rod ends), torsion bar anchors/adjusters, and rear trailing arm and panhard rod bushes.

For owners chasing clunks, vague steering, or tyre wear, it’s worth inspecting and renewing those components and the shocks themselves. If the top of the front shock is flogged out, you’ll be replacing shock bushes and sleeves, not a strut mount. Any coilover or long‑travel conversions that change mounting style are aftermarket and require proper engineering approval in AU/NZ—those are not factory strut setups.

• Technical sources consulted:
  • Toyota Repair Manual for 4Runner/Hilux Surf (N130), Chassis & Body – front suspension specified as double wishbone with torsion bars and separate shocks.
  • Toyota New Car Features (NCF) for 1989–1991 4Runner/Hilux Surf – suspension layout and operation detail.
  • Haynes Repair Manual, Toyota Pick‑Up & 4Runner 1979–1995 – suspension overview confirming non‑strut front end.
  • Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) – no listing for strut mounts on N130, shows separate shock absorber and mounting bushes.

Bottom line: a 1990 Hilux Surf doesn’t take strut mounts. If someone’s selling “strut mounts” for this model, they’re either mislabelled shock bushes or for a different vehicle.

FAQs

Does a 1990 Toyota Hilux Surf have strut mounts?
No. The N130 Surf uses double wishbones with torsion bars and separate shocks up front, and a live rear axle with coils and separate shocks. With no MacPherson struts, there’s no strut top bearing or mount in the system.

What should be checked instead of strut mounts when there’s a front-end clunk?
Look at front shock absorber upper and lower bushes, upper/lower ball joints, control arm bushes, sway bar links/bushes, and the steering idler/relay rod and tie rods. Torsion bar mounts and crossmember bushes are also common wear points on these.

Can an aftermarket coilover conversion add strut mounts to a 1990 Surf?
Some kits relocate or reinforce shock towers and use coilover assemblies, but they still aren’t MacPherson struts in the factory sense. These mods need proper engineering/certification in Australia and New Zealand and aren’t the same as bolt‑in “strut mounts.”