Parts for your 1999 Toyota Hiace-Strut mounts

1999 Toyota Hiace strut mounts — are they used?

Strut mounts aren’t relevant to the 1999 Toyota Hiace. This model (H100 series in 1999 across most markets) runs a front double wishbone suspension with torsion bars and separate shock absorbers, plus a live rear axle with leaf springs and shocks. A strut mount is a feature of MacPherson strut suspensions, where the damper and spring form a structural “strut” and the top mount carries vehicle weight and acts as a steering bearing. Because the Hiace doesn’t use MacPherson struts, there’s no strut top or bearing assembly to service or replace.

This conclusion is supported by technical references: Toyota’s Hiace H100 service/repair manuals (suspension section) specify an independent double wishbone front end with torsion bars and separate shock absorbers, the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (for RZH/LH/KZH1## variants) lists front shocks, upper/lower arms, ball joints and torsion bars, but no “strut mount” or “suspension support”, and major aftermarket fitment catalogues (e.g., KYB and Monroe) list shocks only for this model year, with no strut-mount listing.

Why Toyota didn’t use strut mounts on the ’99 Hiace:

• Double wishbone + torsion bar suits commercial loads, durability and serviceability.
• Separate shocks mean the upper mount is just a rubber-bushed shock eye, not a load-bearing strut top with a bearing.
• Packaging: this layout helps keep the floor low and stable while managing heavy payloads.

What to service instead on a 1999 Hiace:

1. Front suspension: upper and lower control arm bushes, ball joints, torsion bar anchors, shock absorbers and their bushes, and stabiliser (sway bar) links/bushes.
2. Steering and hubs: tie rod ends, idler arm, wheel bearings and alignment (camber/caster via arm shims or adjusters).
3. Rear end: leaf spring bushes and shackles, U-bolts for torque, and rear shocks/bushes.

If there’s clunking over bumps, wandering at highway speeds, uneven tyre wear, or oil misting on the shocks, those are the usual tells that bushes, ball joints or dampers are due. While some custom builds convert Hiaces to coilovers, a factory 1999 Hiace simply doesn’t have strut mounts to replace. If in doubt, check the vehicle’s build plate and a trusted parts catalogue against your VIN to confirm the suspension variant used in your region.

Popular questions

Does a 1999 Toyota Hiace have strut mounts?
No. The 1999 Hiace uses a double wishbone front end with torsion bars and separate shock absorbers, not MacPherson struts. That means there’s no strut top mount or bearing assembly fitted from factory. Servicing focuses on shocks, bushes, ball joints and alignment hardware instead.

What should be checked instead of strut mounts on a 1999 Hiace?
Inspect front shocks and their bushes, upper and lower control arm bushes, ball joints, torsion bar anchor bushes, stabiliser links/bushes, and steering components like tie rods and the idler arm. At the rear, look at leaf spring bushes, shackles, U-bolts and shocks. These areas typically cause noise, vibration or tyre wear if worn.

Can a 1999 Hiace be converted to use struts and strut mounts?
Custom coilover conversions exist but aren’t factory. They require engineering, fabrication, and certification to be safe and legal. For most owners, maintaining the standard double wishbone/torsion bar and leaf-spring setup offers the best reliability and load handling.