Parts for your 2008 Toyota Land cruiser-Strut mounts

Are strut mounts used on the 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser?

Short answer: a traditional “strut mount” isn’t used on a 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser (200 Series). According to Toyota’s New Car Features for the 200 Series and the Toyota Repair Manual for the J200 platform, the front end runs an independent double-wishbone setup with a coil-over shock absorber, not a MacPherson strut. Steering pivots at the upper and lower ball joints on the knuckle, so there’s no strut-top bearing plate like you’d see in a strut-based car. Instead, the Land Cruiser uses a shock absorber upper support/insulator (often nicknamed a “strut top” in the aftermarket), which is a rubberised mount but not a steering bearing.

That’s why a conventional strut mount isn’t relevant here. In a MacPherson strut design, the strut mount carries vehicle load and provides a rotating bearing for steering. The 200 Series’ double-wishbone layout already locates the hub with two control arms, and the shock and spring just manage damping and ride height. The top “mount” is essentially a cushioned seat and hardware to secure the coil-over to the chassis, without a rotation bearing. This approach suits the Land Cruiser’s heavy-duty 4x4 role, spreading loads through the control arms while keeping the damper out of steering duties. Vehicles equipped with KDSS still follow this principle, KDSS affects sway bar control, not the presence of a strut bearing.

What should be serviced instead? Owners and mechanics should focus on the front shock absorber assemblies and their upper supports/insulators, along with spring seats, dust boots and bump stops. When these rubber components harden or crack, they can cause knocks over corrugations and a harsher ride. If fitting new shocks, replace tired upper supports at the same time, torque the top hardware to spec from the Toyota repair manual, and get a wheel alignment after any front-end work or height change.

• Typical signs the upper support/insulator or shock hardware needs attention:
  • Clunks or knocks on small bumps or corrugations
  • Perished/cracked rubber at the top mount area
  • Uneven ride height or excessive front-end bounce
• Good practice:
  • Inspect upper supports, boots and bump stops at every major service
  • Replace in pairs left/right to keep ride consistent
  • If lifting or adding accessories, choose components matched to the extra weight

Popular questions about 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser “strut mounts”

Does a 2008 Land Cruiser actually have strut mounts?

No. It has a double-wishbone front suspension with a coil-over shock, so there’s no steering-bearing strut mount. The upper connection is a shock absorber support/insulator, sometimes casually called a “strut top”, but it’s not a true strut mount as found in MacPherson strut vehicles.

What should be replaced or maintained instead of strut mounts?

Inspect and replace the front shock absorber assemblies, upper support/insulators, spring seats, dust boots and bump stops as needed. When shocks are renewed, it’s smart to fit fresh upper supports and hardware, then carry out a wheel alignment to keep tyre wear tidy.

Are aftermarket “strut tops” for the 200 Series the same as a strut mount with a bearing?

No. Aftermarket parts may use “strut top” as shorthand, but they’re typically a top plate/insulator without a steering bearing. They secure the shock to the body and isolate noise and vibration, rather than acting as a steering pivot.