Parts for your 2018 Toyota Hilux-Struts

2018 Toyota HiLux struts: what’s actually fitted and why it matters

For the 2018 Toyota HiLux (AN120/AN130, often called the N80), “struts” in the strict MacPherson sense aren’t used. Up front, this ute runs an independent double-wishbone setup with a coil spring over a shock absorber (a coilover shock), and the rear uses a live axle with leaf springs and separate shock absorbers. In other words, the front damper assembly isn’t a structural strut that locates the wheel, lateral control comes from the upper and lower control arms.

Technical sources back this up: Toyota’s New Car Features (NCF) for the AN120/AN130 HiLux describes the front as a double-wishbone independent suspension with coil springs and shock absorbers, and the rear as leaf springs with shock absorbers. The Toyota Repair Manual for this series outlines service procedures for “front shock absorber assembly” and “front coil spring,” not a MacPherson strut. Likewise, the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue lists the component as “Front shock absorber assembly” rather than a strut. Many aftermarket catalogues still use the word “strut” colloquially for the front coilover assembly, which can cause confusion.

Why doesn’t the 2018 HiLux use struts? This chassis is designed for load carrying, towing, and off-road work. A double-wishbone front end offers strong control of camber and caster through travel, long-term durability on corrugations, and better tuning range for ride height and wheel travel. The damper isn’t required to take side loads the way a MacPherson strut does, which suits harsh Aussie and Kiwi conditions and accessories like bull bars and winches.

What should owners service instead? Think in terms of shocks, springs, and bushings:

• Inspect front and rear shocks for oil leaks, dents, or overheated paint, check top mounts and bushings for cracking.
• Road test for excessive bounce, nose-dive under brakes, rear hop, or knocking over sharp bumps.
• Check for uneven tyre wear or wandering/steering shimmy, get a wheel alignment after any front shock, upper/lower arm, or ride-height change.
• Replace shocks in axle pairs. Service life varies with use, but many HiLuxes benefit from fresh shocks between 80,000–150,000 km, sooner if towing, heavily loaded, or driven off-road.
• If lifting or adding weight, match spring rates and shock valving, consider corrected upper control arms for alignment range.

So while “struts” might pop up in parts searches, the 2018 HiLux actually runs coilover shocks at the front. Servicing and replacement should follow shock absorber and suspension best practice.

Popular questions

Does a 2018 Toyota HiLux have front struts?
No. It uses a double‑wishbone front suspension with a coil spring over a shock absorber. Workshops sometimes call the front coilover a “strut,” but it isn’t a MacPherson strut and doesn’t locate the wheel laterally.

Can I fit aftermarket “struts” to my 2018 HiLux?
Yes—when sellers say “front struts” for the HiLux, they’re talking about complete front coilover shock assemblies. As long as the kit is specified for AN120/AN130 (N80) HiLux and matched to your ride height and load, it’s the correct style of part.

When should the shocks be replaced on a 2018 HiLux?
It’s condition‑based. Many HiLux utes see meaningful improvement somewhere between 80,000 and 150,000 km. Replace sooner if there are leaks, knocking, poor control over corrugations, increased stopping distance from nose‑dive, or uneven tyre wear. Always do a wheel alignment after front shock replacement.