Parts for your 2017 Toyota Hiace-Struts

2017 Toyota HiAce struts — do they apply?

Short answer: struts aren’t used on the 2017 Toyota HiAce (H200 series). Up front it runs a double-wishbone layout with torsion bars and separate shock absorbers, and the rear uses leaf springs with separate shocks. That configuration is detailed in Toyota’s HiAce H200 New Car Features (NCF) Suspension section and the Toyota Repair Manual, and it’s mirrored by the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue, which lists front and rear shock absorbers but no MacPherson strut assemblies. Major aftermarket catalogues (e.g., KYB and Monroe) also list shocks, not struts, for this model year.

Why no struts? MacPherson struts are common in lighter passenger cars because they save space and weight, using the strut as both a damper and a structural member. The HiAce’s job is different. With commercial payloads and frequent stop–start work, Toyota prioritised durability, load-carrying stability and serviceability. A double-wishbone with torsion bars up front gives solid camber control under load and over rough roads, while the leaf-spring rear keeps ride height and axle control consistent when the van’s full of gear. Using separate shock absorbers means the damper isn’t also a primary structural member, which simplifies maintenance and keeps costs tidy for fleet operators.

What should owners focus on instead of “strut” servicing? The practical maintenance items are below. These checks help ride quality, braking stability and tyre life.

• Shock absorbers (front and rear): inspect for oil seepage, dented bodies, worn bushes and reduced damping. Many vehicles need shocks between 80,000–150,000 kilometres depending on use and road quality.
• Front suspension: upper/lower control arm bushes, ball joints, sway-bar links and bushes.
• Torsion bar ride height: measure and adjust to spec after any front-end work to keep alignment and headlight aim on point.
• Rear suspension: leaf-spring bushes, shackles, U-bolts and shock mounts.
• Wheel alignment and tyres: check for feathering or cupping that hints at tired shocks or worn bushes.

If a workshop or listing offers “struts” for a 2017 HiAce, they’re almost certainly referring to shock absorbers. Asking for shocks by name will avoid mix-ups at the parts counter.

Popular questions

Does a 2017 Toyota HiAce have struts?

No. The 2017 HiAce (H200) uses a double-wishbone front with torsion bars and separate shock absorbers, plus leaf springs with separate shocks at the rear. Toyota’s NCF/Repair Manual and the EPC confirm there are no MacPherson struts used on this model.

What suspension parts should be serviced on a 2017 HiAce instead of struts?

Focus on front and rear shock absorbers, control arm bushes, ball joints, sway-bar links, torsion bar ride height, and rear leaf-spring bushes and hardware. Inspect at regular services (around every 20,000 km) and replace shocks when damping fades, there’s oil leakage or you notice poor ride, nose-dive, or uneven tyre wear.

Can struts be fitted to a 2017 HiAce as an upgrade?

It’s not a practical or advisable conversion. The HiAce’s chassis pick-up points and geometry are designed for wishbones/torsion bars and leaf springs. Converting to MacPherson struts would require major structural redesign and engineering approval. Quality shocks and fresh bushes are the smarter way to improve ride and control.