Parts for your 2000 Toyota Hilux-Strut mounts

2000 Toyota Hilux strut mounts — are they actually used?

For the 2000 Toyota Hilux (N140–N170 series, roughly 1997–2004), a traditional MacPherson strut front end isn’t used, so “strut mounts” aren’t a service item on this ute. According to Toyota service literature for this generation’s front suspension, the Hilux runs an independent double-wishbone setup: coil spring with a separate shock absorber on most 2WD models, and a torsion-bar double-wishbone with a separate shock on most 4WD models. Those layouts don’t rely on a strut tower or strut top bearing/mount like a passenger car with MacPherson struts.

This is backed up by common workshop references for the era, including Toyota’s Repair Manual and New Car Features documentation for the N140–N170 Hilux, along with aftermarket manuals (e.g., Gregory’s/Haynes) that describe the front end as double wishbone with either coil spring (2WD) or torsion bar (4WD), with the shock absorber mounted separately. Because there’s no MacPherson strut, there’s no strut top mount with a bearing to support steering rotation. Instead, the steering pivot is handled by the upper and lower ball joints on the control arms.

Owners looking up “strut mounts” for a 2000 Hilux are usually chasing front-end noises, vague steering, or a rough ride. On this model, the typical culprits are different parts:

• Upper and lower control arm bushes and ball joints
• Shock absorber upper/lower bushes and mounts
• Sway-bar (stabiliser) link rods and D-bushes
• 4WD: torsion-bar anchors/adjusters and associated bushes
• 2WD: coil spring seats/insulators

As part of routine servicing, a shop will check for split bushes, play in ball joints, leaking shocks, and worn sway-bar hardware. Any work on these items should be followed by a wheel alignment to keep tyre wear even and steering tidy. If lift or load-carry changes are planned, the right approach on a 4WD Hilux is typically torsion-bar adjustment or replacement control arms, for 2WD, think matched coils and shocks—there’s no place for a “strut top” spacer because there’s no strut.

FAQs

Does a 2000 Toyota Hilux have strut mounts?
No. The 2000 Hilux uses a double-wishbone front suspension (coil spring with separate shock on most 2WD, torsion-bar double wishbone on most 4WD), so it doesn’t have MacPherson struts or strut top mounts. Steering load is carried by the ball joints, not a strut bearing.

What should be checked instead of strut mounts on a 2000 Hilux?
Front-end noises and looseness usually point to control arm bushes, upper/lower ball joints, shock absorber bushes, and sway-bar links/bushes. On 4WD models, also check torsion-bar hardware, on 2WD, inspect coil seats/insulators.

Can a strut-top spacer kit be fitted to lift a 2000 Hilux?
Not on the factory setup. There’s no strut tower to space. Common lift methods are torsion-bar adjustment or upgraded control arms on 4WD, or appropriate coils and shocks on 2WD, with alignment and droop/height checks.