2014 SR5 Liftgate Struts

[pag04]

Hi,

When the catch is released on the liftgate should it rise pretty effortlessly? The liftgate has gotten more difficult to lift. I’ve got some issues that have caused some arm weakness when lifting and I’m trying to figure out if I just need new struts or if I need to get struts with a higher lifting power. I don’t remember how it was when it was new.

 

[fotorunner]

I have a 2023 and it lifts really fast with zero effort. I suspect your struts are coming to the end of their life. My Gen 3 4Runners had issues with that. I found that even though the factory struts are expensive they outlast most of the aftermarket struts (at least the ones I found) by a wide margin.

 

[TRDHULK]

I recently upgraded mine with Lift Support Depot struts and they're great

 

[fkheath]

Hi,

When the catch is released on the liftgate should it rise pretty effortlessly? The liftgate has gotten more difficult to lift. I’ve got some issues that have caused some arm weakness when lifting and I’m trying to figure out if I just need new struts or if I need to get struts with a higher lifting power. I don’t remember how it was when it was new.

When all the way open, does the hatch stay open? If not, it is definitely time to replace the struts.

 

[4Rums]

One thing to consider is that temperature affects the performance of the liftgate struts around this time. When it gets super cold, they don't provide the same support as when it's warm. That being said, they should still hold the liftgate open without it coming down, (though you may need to help it go all the way up). I replaced the ones on my '13 about 4 years ago as the liftgate wasn't staying up during the winter anymore. I put some branded Stabilus (model appears discontinued) and they are still holding fine. Also, be mindful that while upgrading to stronger struts such as those designed for the extra weight of ladders can work ok during the winter, it can also make the liftgate shoot up (when its warm) and hard to close if you don't have the extra weight.

 

[pag04]

I ordered new Strongarm struts from Amazon. The liftgate stays up once open but it is tough to raise. Pulling it closed isn’t an issue. I’ll see if these new struts help. The issue may just be me. Some arm weakness and grip issues may be the problem.

If I need a stronger strut, I am seeing struts that say they are for “Models With Added Ladder W/O Rotopax”. I get the ladder part but what is a “Rotopax”?
Thanks

 

[97BlackAckCL]

Mine have worn out and taken abuse over the years, I just ordered a set of these to replace them. I can provide my feedback after I install them in the next day or 2

Amazon.com

 

[Rocko9999]

I went with these -https://a.co/d/dT9X2mc

They don't lift the hatch by itself the second you unlatch it-but none do. They take over at about 20-25% of the way and bring it fully to the top. My old OEM struts wouldn't lift it much at all, you had to push it to the top and it would start to slowly come down if cold.

 

[fkheath]

I ordered new Strongarm struts from Amazon. The liftgate stays up once open but it is tough to raise. Pulling it closed isn’t an issue. I’ll see if these new struts help. The issue may just be me. Some arm weakness and grip issues may be the problem.

If I need a stronger strut, I am seeing struts that say they are for “Models With Added Ladder W/O Rotopax”. I get the ladder part but what is a “Rotopax”?
Thanks

Rotopax is a modular system of gas or water cans that can easily be mounted on molle panels. I use them for extra fuel for my ATV. RotopaX | The Worlds Toughest Mountable Container System