Parts for your 1993 Toyota Hilux surf-Strut mounts

1993 Toyota Hilux Surf strut mounts: not used and why that’s the case

For the 1993 Toyota Hilux Surf (N130 series), strut mounts aren’t a relevant part. Factory documentation describes a front double-wishbone independent suspension with torsion bars and separate shock absorbers, and a rear live axle with coil springs and separate shocks. Because the vehicle doesn’t use MacPherson struts at either end, it has no strut top mounts or strut bearings to service. This layout is confirmed in Toyota’s Chassis & Body repair literature for the N130 Surf/4Runner, the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (Suspension & Axle group), and well-known aftermarket manuals covering 1989–1995 Hilux/4Runner models.

Why no strut mounts? A strut mount is the upper pivot and isolation point for a MacPherson strut unit, combining damper and spring in one assembly that also locates the wheel. The Hilux Surf’s front end locates the wheel with upper and lower control arms, while a separate shock absorber simply controls damping. Up top, the shock uses simple bushes and washers rather than a bearing-type strut top. The rear is similar: the coil spring sits on the axle and body, and the shock mounts separately with rubber bushes.

Chasing a knock or vague steering and thinking “strut top”? On this Surf, attention is better placed on:

• Front shock absorber upper/lower bushes and hardware
• Upper and lower ball joints, control arm bushes, sway bar links/bushes
• Torsion bar anchors and bushes
• Rear upper/lower trailing arm bushes and the panhard rod bush
• Steering idler arm, pitman arm, and tie-rod ends

When replacing bushes or shocks, tighten fasteners at normal ride height to avoid preloading the rubbers, and get a wheel alignment after front-end work. If a previous owner has fitted an aftermarket coilover conversion, that’s a different story—those kits may add a “strut-like” top mount, so follow the kit maker’s instructions for service and torque specs.

Note: Toyota literature may also use the term “strut rod” for a front tension/radius rod, that isn’t a MacPherson strut, and it doesn’t use a strut top mount.

Technical sources referenced:

• Toyota Hilux Surf/4Runner N130 series Chassis & Body Repair Manual (Front and Rear Suspension sections)
• Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (N130 Surf), Suspension & Axle group—lists separate shock absorbers, no strut assemblies
• Haynes Toyota Pick-up & 4Runner 1979–1995 manual—front torsion-bar IFS, rear live axle with coils
• Gregory’s/Max Ellery’s Hilux/4Runner 1989–1996 workshop manuals—suspension layout and service procedures

Popular questions

Does a 1993 Hilux Surf have strut mounts?
No. The N130 Surf uses double-wishbone torsion-bar front suspension and a coil-sprung live rear axle, both with separate shock absorbers. That means there are no MacPherson struts and no strut top mounts to replace.

What’s the likely cause of a front-end clunk if it’s not the strut mount?
Common culprits are worn upper or lower ball joints, tired shock bushes, sway bar links, or cracked control arm bushes. On higher-kilometre trucks, the steering idler arm can also develop play. A quick check with the wheels off the ground and a pry-bar test usually pinpoints it.

Can I fit coilovers with strut-style tops to my Surf?
Yes, some aftermarket kits convert the front end to a coilover with a top mount. If that’s fitted, follow the coilover manufacturer’s service intervals, inspect the top-hat bearings and isolators, and re-torque after a few hundred kilometres. Check local certification rules in Australia or New Zealand for suspension mods.