Parts for your 2018 Toyota Hilux-Struts

Are struts used on the 2018 Toyota HiLux?

Short answer: no, the 2018 Toyota HiLux doesn’t use MacPherson struts. Toyota’s own technical literature – the Repair Manual (AN120/AN130 platform) and the New Car Features guide – specifies a front double-wishbone independent suspension with a coil spring and separate shock absorber, plus a rear live axle with leaf springs and separate shocks. Toyota Australia spec sheets from the period say the same. Reputable parts catalogues for this model year (e.g., KYB, Monroe, Pedders) list front and rear shock absorbers, not struts.

Why no struts? The HiLux is built to carry serious loads and handle rough tracks across Australia and New Zealand. A double-wishbone front end offers strong control of camber through the suspension travel, better durability under heavy front-axle loads, and room for longer travel compared with a typical car-style MacPherson strut. Out back, a leaf-sprung live axle is the proven choice for payload and towing. In both cases, the shock absorber isn’t a structural member of the suspension upright, which is the defining feature of a true strut.

It’s worth noting that some aftermarket listings and casual workshop chat might call the front coil-over shock a “strut”. Technically, on a 2018 HiLux it’s a shock absorber with a coil spring around it, mounted between the chassis and lower control arm, it doesn’t locate the wheel hub like a MacPherson strut does.

Owners looking to service or upgrade the suspension should be asking for shocks (or complete coil-over shock assemblies) rather than struts. The front end uses upper and lower control arms with ball joints, so alignment and bush condition matter a lot for tyre life and on-road feel. The rear uses leaf springs with shackles and bushes, with separate shocks.

Typical maintenance cues are familiar: if the ute bounces after speed humps, dives hard under brakes, feels floaty on corrugations, or shows uneven tyre wear, the shocks may be tired. Off-road use, towing, or heavy loads can accelerate wear, so many owners refresh shocks somewhere between 80,000 and 120,000 kilometres, sooner if it’s a workhorse. Always book a wheel alignment after front-end work.

• Front: inspect shocks, upper/lower control arm bushes, ball joints, and sway bar links.
• Rear: check shocks, leaf spring packs, shackles, and U-bolts, replace worn bushes.
• Hardware: replace top mounts/isolators when fitting new front coil-over shocks.

Bottom line: the 2018 HiLux doesn’t run struts, it runs shocks. That’s by design for strength, travel, and load-carrying – exactly what a HiLux is bought for.

Popular questions about 2018 Toyota HiLux “struts”

Does a 2018 HiLux have front struts or shocks?

It has shocks, not struts. The front is a double-wishbone setup with a coil-over shock absorber, the shock damps movement but doesn’t locate the wheel hub like a MacPherson strut would. Rear is a leaf-sprung live axle with separate shocks.

If a listing says “front strut” for a 2018 HiLux, it usually means a coil-over shock assembly in common parlance, not a structural strut.

Can I fit aftermarket “struts” to lift my 2018 HiLux?

You can fit aftermarket coil-over shocks or a full suspension kit that provides lift, but it’s still not a true strut conversion. Quality kits pair tuned shocks and springs, bump stop spacing, and alignment settings to keep handling tidy and component angles in check.

Stick with known brands and get a proper wheel alignment afterwards. For bigger lifts, add diff drop kits, UCAs and supporting parts as recommended.

What should I replace during a suspension refresh if there are no struts?

Focus on front and rear shocks, front control arm bushes and ball joints, sway bar links and bushes, and rear leaf spring bushes and shackles. Replace front top mounts/isolators when installing new front coil-over shocks.

After heavy use, consider new leaf packs or re-setting. Always torque suspension hardware with the vehicle at ride height and finish with an alignment to protect tyres.