Parts for your 2002 Toyota Land cruiser-Strut mounts

2002 Toyota Land Cruiser “strut mounts” — what’s actually fitted

Pulling from Toyota’s technical literature — the Land Cruiser 100/105 Series Repair Manual (Chassis & Body, e.g., RM717U) and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue for UZJ100/FZJ105/HZJ105 — the 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser does not use MacPherson struts, so there are no “strut mounts” on this model.

Up front, the 100 Series (UZJ100) runs independent front suspension with double wishbones, torsion bars and separate shock absorbers. The 105 Series (FZJ105/HZJ105) uses a live front axle with coil springs and separate shocks. At the rear, both use a live axle with coil springs and separate shock absorbers. Because the vehicle doesn’t have MacPherson struts, it also doesn’t have a strut top bearing plate or “strut mount” assembly. Instead, the shocks bolt to brackets on the chassis and axle using rubber insulators/bushes and hardware shown in the EPC as “shock absorber, upper/lower insulator,” not strut mounts.

Why did Toyota do it this way? The separate spring-and-shock layout suits off‑road durability, suspension travel and load-carrying, especially in Aussie and Kiwi conditions. It avoids placing steering loads through a strut tower, and keeps serviceability straightforward in the bush.

If a mechanic or parts listing mentions “strut mounts” for a 2002 Land Cruiser, they’re likely using generic suspension terminology. The correct maintenance focus is on the shock absorber bushes and the surrounding suspension hardware, not a non-existent strut top.

• Front (UZJ100 IFS): inspect shock absorber upper/lower bushes, upper and lower control arm bushes and ball joints, sway bar links/bushes, torsion bar anchors and ride height.
• Front (105 live axle): check radius arm bushes, swivel hubs/king pin bearings, shock bushes and steering linkage.
• Rear (all): look at trailing arm bushes, panhard rod bushes, shock bushes, coil spring seats and bump stops.

Typical symptoms often blamed on “strut mounts” — clunks over small bumps, a dull knock while turning, or feathered tyres — usually trace back to tired shock bushes, worn ball joints or sway bar links on these trucks. Use quality bushes, torque everything at normal ride height, and re-check alignment after any front-end work. If fitting a lift, match shocks to travel and keep brake lines and bump stops happy. Aftermarket coilover conversions (rare on these) come with their own top mounts and aren’t OEM Land Cruiser hardware.

• Does a 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser have strut mounts?
  No. The 2002 Land Cruiser uses separate shock absorbers and springs — not MacPherson struts — so there’s no strut top mount/bearing. Toyota’s 100/105 Series Repair Manual and the EPC list shock insulators/bushes and brackets, not strut mounts.
• What part does the job people think a “strut mount” does on this model?
  The shock absorber upper and lower bushes (insulators), washers and mounting hardware handle isolation and location. Up front, control arm bushes and ball joints manage geometry and steering loads, not a strut top.
• Hearing a front-end clunk — what should be checked first?
  Start with shock absorber bushes, sway bar links/bushes and ball joints. On IFS models, also check control arm bushes and steering rack mounts, on live-axle 105s, look at radius arm bushes and swivel hubs. Replace worn parts, torque at ride height and get an alignment.