Parts for your 1998 Toyota Crown-Struts

1998 Toyota Crown “Struts” — what’s actually fitted

Chasing “struts” for a 1998 Toyota Crown? Here’s the kicker: this model doesn’t use MacPherson struts at all. The ’98 Crown (late S150 series, such as JZS151/JZS155) runs a double‑wishbone front suspension and a multi‑link/double‑wishbone style rear, with separate coil springs and shock absorbers. That means there’s no structural strut unit up front or rear — just dampers (shocks), control arms and associated bushings and joints.

Technical sources back this up clearly. The Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue for S150 Crown listings shows front upper and lower control arms, a separate shock absorber and spring, plus stabiliser gear — no strut cartridge or strut top mount. The factory repair manual for the S150 Crown details double‑wishbone geometry, not MacPherson architecture. Major damper catalogues for the 1998 Crown (e.g., KYB, Monroe) also specify conventional shock absorbers rather than strut inserts, which is another solid clue.

Why did Toyota skip struts on the Crown? Simple: refinement and handling. Double wishbones give better camber control, more precise steering feel and improved tyre contact under load — all bang on for a luxury saloon built to glide over rough Aussie and Kiwi roads while staying tidy through bends. It also helps NVH tuning, so the cabin stays quieter and more composed.

So, if someone’s searching for “struts” for a 1998 Crown, what they really need are quality shock absorbers and good condition arms and bushes. When servicing, it’s smart to:

• Inspect shocks for leaks, dents or fade, do a bounce test for excessive float or nose‑dive.
• Check upper/lower control arm bushes and ball joints for play or torn rubber.
• Listen for clunks over bumps (often sway‑bar links or worn arm bushes).
• Watch tyre wear patterns, inner or feathered wear hints at bush or alignment issues.
• Get a wheel alignment after any front‑end work, double‑wishbone setups are sensitive to small geometry changes.

When replacing shocks, choose reputable brands that list the Crown by chassis code, replace any perished mount insulators and hardware, and torque everything at normal ride height. With fresh dampers and healthy bushes, the Crown delivers that smooth, confident ride it’s famous for — no struts required.

FAQs

Does a 1998 Toyota Crown have struts?
No. It uses double‑wishbone front suspension and a multi‑link/double‑wishbone rear with separate shocks and springs. There’s no MacPherson strut assembly on this model.

What should be replaced instead of “struts” on a 1998 Crown?
Look to the shock absorbers (front and rear), upper and lower control arms (or their bushes and ball joints), sway‑bar links and bushes, and any mount insulators. These are the parts that affect ride and handling on this setup.

Can I fit coilovers to my 1998 Crown?
Some aftermarket kits exist for double‑wishbone Crowns. They’re not MacPherson struts, they’re damper‑and‑spring assemblies designed for the factory arm layout. If modifying in Australia or New Zealand, check local certification and compliance rules before fitting.