I recently acquired a 2007 4Runner and am tickled with everything about it - except for one minor item. The cargo door opens effortlessly, almost like the power door on my Lexus, but closing it is another matter! It is extremely difficult to pull down! My wife is small and she can barely get it down far enough for it to latch!

I note that it has two of the shock absorber looking cylinders (one on each side) to support this effort. Can I make the door easier to pull down if I remove one of the cylinders, and if so, how does one remove them. Nearly all modern cars use the little cylinders to make the hood stay up or doors stay open and they usually crap out and have to be replaced. Must not be a difficult task, but is this a good idea??

Thanks --- John

sound like a good idea. looking for the same answer.

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2007 SE V6 4x4 Titanium

can't go along with the idea-removing one will leave the cargo door unbalanced-I doubt one strut can hold it safely- which would lead to other problems eventually.

If you have the tow hitch setup in back perhaps the fold down step mounted in the receiver will help your wife reach better? That would allow more "oomph" to tug the door down and shut it.

Here are some visuals from Amazon: somewhat like I was thinking of-these would have more 'step' surface than the ones I was picturing.

Amazon.com: hitch step bar: Automotive

here is more like what I was picturing for a small footed person:

http://www.amazon.com/Outland-Automo...3&sr=1-3-fkmr2

and this might be total overkill but hey we're here to protect the ladies right?

http://www.superbumper.com/

got the step and a bit more protection-thanks member Koz for making me aware of this product.

Ron's probably right... I am not so sure I'd go that route either. If you do be extra careful if the rear window is down. When the weight of the glass 'moves' in to the door it needs extra support. With one strut and the window down it would be really easy to slam the door or have it drop on someones head.

I doubt one strut will support the weight of the door. One of the shocks failed on my uncle's Odyssey, the door will not stay up at all. Even with one brand new shock, it doesn't have the strength needed to hold up the rear door.

The rear door track is a must-have for postal workers on their LLV postal trucks. If they can't open the back cargo door, how would they get us our mail? So, when dealing with a broken cargo door track, this video will help you replace the roller track, which is actually quite easy.

There should be a cloth-like handle dangling from the back of the hatch. I hope your wife could reach this (or by jumping) and be able to pull down the hatch.