Parts for your 1995 Toyota Hilux surf-Strut mounts

Are strut mounts used on the 1995 Toyota Hilux Surf?

Short answer: for most 1995 Hilux Surf models, strut mounts aren’t a thing. The 130-series Hilux Surf (the common 1995 build) runs a double-wishbone front end with torsion bars and separate shock absorbers, plus a solid rear axle with separate shocks. There’s no MacPherson strut up front, so there’s no strut top mount to replace. This layout is documented in Toyota’s factory Repair Manual for 4Runner/Hilux Surf 1990–1995 (often cited as RM184E), and is reflected in the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue for KZN130/YN130 models, which lists front shock absorber stem/bush fittings rather than a strut support assembly. You’ll find the same call-out in Haynes/Chilton manuals covering Toyota 4Runner/Pickup to 1995: MacPherson struts aren’t used on these trucks.

Why no strut mounts? Because the shock is not a structural “strut” that locates the wheel. The upper and lower control arms and torsion bar handle wheel location and springing, the shock absorber simply damps motion and is fixed with a stem-and-bush setup at the top. A strut mount is specific to strut or coilover/strut-style assemblies that carry vehicle load and, on many cars, allow the strut to rotate for steering. That’s not the 130-series Surf’s design.

What to service instead on a 1995 Hilux Surf:

• Front shock absorber upper and lower bushes/cushions
• Upper and lower ball joints
• Control arm bushes and torsion bar anchors
• Front stabiliser (sway) bar bushes and links
• Rear shock bushes, panhard rod and trailing arm bushes

Note for late 1995 builds: Toyota launched the 185-series Hilux Surf in the second half of 1995 (same generation as the 1996–2002 4Runner). That model uses a double-wishbone front end with a coilover shock assembly. Its top rubber/insulator is sometimes sold in the aftermarket as a “strut mount”. It still isn’t a true MacPherson strut, but there is a top mount/insulator that can wear and clunk. Check your VIN/model code: KZN130/YN130 = no strut mount, KZN185/RZN185 = coilover with a top mount insulator.

Technical sources referenced: Toyota Repair Manual for 4Runner/Hilux Surf 1990–1995 (RM184E), Suspension section, Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for KZN130 front suspension, Haynes “Toyota Pick-up & 4Runner 1979–1995,” suspension chapter.

Popular questions

Does a 1995 Hilux Surf have strut mounts?
For the 130-series 1995 Surf, no. It uses torsion bars with separate shocks, so there’s no strut mount to replace. If your Surf is a late-1995 185-series, it has a coilover shock with a top insulator often sold as a “strut mount”.

How can they tell which 1995 Surf they’ve got?
Check the model/VIN plate. KZN130/YN130 indicates the earlier torsion-bar setup (no strut mounts). KZN185/RZN185 points to the later coilover front end with a top mount insulator. A quick visual: torsion-bar trucks won’t have a front coil spring, 185-series will show a coilover unit.

What should be serviced instead of strut mounts on a 130-series?
Focus on front shock bushes, upper/lower ball joints, control arm bushes, torsion bar hardware, and sway bar links. At the rear, inspect shock bushes, panhard rod and trailing arm bushes. These are the wear points that cause knocks, vibration, or vague steering on the 130-series.