'08 DC front spring problems

I have an '08 DC 5.7 SR5 with 123k. Went in for annual PA inspection and it failed, Two issues. 1st is center frame crossmember that supports rear of fuel tank has almost rusted away on pass side where it mounts to frame rail. Called Toyota, and was told I do not qualify for any frame recall help. Trying to locate new crossmember. But that is a thread for another place.

2nd issue. Both front coil springs are broken. On both, the bottom coil broke about 3-4 inches from end. Unless you knew what to look for you might never see it. I am surprised that both springs would break in the same way. I did a quick search, and haven't found any threads on springs breaking like this. I tried to look up replacement springs on the Toyota parts sites, but because I have the TRD Off Road Package, it seems the standard springs are not applicable for my vehicle, and I do not see TRD springs listed.

I am thinking it makes more sense to just replace the whole strut/spring package instead of trying to install new springs on the old shocks. This is a daily driver, with almost no off road use, and I do not want to change the ride height or make the ride any stiffer. I don't want to put cheep junk on it, but don't want to go high end either What brands/models should I be looking at?

 

Comb the classifieds and grab a set of used OEM takeoffs for your suspension. I’d also contact Corporate regarding the frame recall. I too have an 08 and got a new frame, subframe and leaf springs 3 years ago due to the recall.

 

I will try going further up the Toyota chain, but from what I have read, the frame replacement deal ended in 2018 and unless you can prove that you had the vehicle inspected by Toyota prior to then, and frame damage was found, you have virtually no chance to get it approved. I only purchased the vehicle a year ago, and according to Toyota service records, there was no record of any frame problems reported by the previous owner or any frame damage noted during a service visit.

I will try to locate a set of oem shock takeoffs near me. If anyone near the NE PA area has a set they are willing to part with, please PM me.

Thanks

 

I have located a new sub-frame crossmember to replace the rusted out one. Just waiting for it to ship from supplier. As far as the front struts go, I have a few questions. I have the TRD Off Road package as an installed option. When I search for strut assemblies, most all I find online are listed "WO TRD Off Road'. Now, correct me if I am wrong, but I am thinking that the only difference between the standard SR5 struts and the TRD's is how they are tuned. If I am right, then the standard strut should bolt right in place, and I may not see a lot of difference in the ride. This truck is mainly used for on-road driving, so I don't think I really need a 'performance' suspension, and I have no intentions in any type of lift or oversize tires. Am I right in my thinking?

Update; Still looking for front shocks, but may have a line on a set. As for the frame, getting the crossmember is becoming quite the adventure. I had originally tried to get one thru a nearby Dealer, but after some time on the phone I was told the part was discontinued, and no longer available. I did an online search, and found the ToyotaPartsDeal site. I called them, and was told they could get the part from the 'warehouse'. I ordered the part from their site and received a confirmation email on order. This was on the 10/26/20. Follow up email indicated the part was expected at dealership on/or about 11/3/20, and I would get follow up email when it was shipped to me. My cost for part was $243 + 18.50 shipping and 14.60 PA tax. My total cost $276.30. Today I received email telling me the order was canceled because shipping estimate was not right, and I would have to contact them for any re-order with updated shipping cost.

When I called, I was told that the shipping cost from shipping company had gone up significantly so they had to cancel order. I was told to re-order part and I would get an updated shipping cost. When I placed the order again, shipping went from 18.50 to over 190. Over 10 times original estimate. Not happy, but I have no choice If I don't fix frame, I can't drive truck much longer. My new cost is almost $450. It sucks, but I have no other reasonable option.

Oh well, it is what it is..........

 

Most SR5 base models without TRD front coils have black Tokico/Hitachi front struts.

TRD are Yellow Bilstein 4600 series and are more firm.

I changed my front struts from black standard,to factory takeoffs yellow TRD Bilstein and love the ride. Not overly firm but feels better than a big tug boat floating front end with the black sr5

 

Thanks for the reply. I am OK with the present ride I have, and if the standard struts are that much softer, I probably wouldn't like the difference. I guess I will keep looking for a set of TRD take-offs, if I can find them. It is a shame, I only have 123k on the truck, and except for the small broken bottom end of each spring, the shocks and ride seem fine. I am tempted once I get the cross member replaced, to remove the broken spring tips and see if I can get it to pass inspection again. Not a lot of room in my budget, at the moment, to put money I don't absolutely have to in to it.

 

OK, I have been looking for a set of TRD coil over shocks to replace the ones I presently have with broken springs. I learned today that I have been mistakenly calling these components struts, when they are actually coil over shocks. You can learn something new every day. I have a few questions that I hope someone can answer for me. I was under the impression these components were specific for each side. Toyota parts sites list different part numbers for both left and right side shocks and springs. But when I inquired about a coil over shock listed on ebay, the salvage yard seller told me that it would fit either side. Is this correct? Also, all the TRD coil overs I have seen are yellow but the ones on my truck, which is supposed to have the TRD Off Road option, are black. Am I correct in assuming that they are probably not the original units?

 

Well, I may have located a set of oem front TRD Coil Overs from an '18 4x4 with 18k on them. Price is reasonable, just waiting on shipping cost to make deal. Before I commit, I just want to be sure they will fit my '08. Info gleaned from some threads seems to indicate yes but want to be sure. Thanks for any assistance.

 

They'll fit. And they aren't side specific, either.

 

Thanks.

 

Update; I finally, after getting correct part number, located the crossmember at a Toyota Dealer fairly close to me. Much thanks to parts guy at Conicelli Toyota in PA. Placed order for new crossmember on 11/6, and it was delivered last night, 11/10. Now waiting on new tank straps and a few bolts to make sure I have everything I need before I start project.

I also noted that the fuel tank shield, that is part of the Off Road kit is missing. Probably rusted loose while original owner had it. Once I get crossmember installed, I will look to replace it.

If anyone nearby has one left over from the 26 to 38 gal tank upgrade, and is willing to part with it, let me know.

 

Private Message Sent

 

Thanks to SouthWestGA I have a set of front Coil overs. Now to install them, waiting for snow to stop.........

 

Well, I finally got both coil overs installed today. What a Bitch. Had a lot of issues with rusted bolts/nuts. It took over 4 hours, on Friday afternoon, to do drivers side. The castle nut for the upper ball joint was badly rusted, but finally got it off using an 18mm impact socket and a bit of heat. Same issue with nut on long bolt that holds lower end of shock. When I finally got the drivers side done, it was too late to start on other side. Passenger side went a lot easier, just a bit of problem with lower shock bolt/nut, but some heat worked. Finished it in just under two hours. Now onto the crossmember.............