'97 vs '01 rear hatch struts/supports

[Deej101]

Took the hatch struts from a 97 to replace my failing 01s.

Since the 97s are from a junkyard, no way to know if they are original. But they are *much* better than my 01s. They look almost identical except instead of a single ring there are two (see pic).

The part numbers are:
3JA28-WH86 ('97 RH)
3JA29-WH86 ('97 LH)
3FC26-WH86 ('01 RH)
3FC27-WH86 ('01 LH)

Anyway, just wondering if it's a thing or just random.

 

[Spiker Engineering]

None of the part numbers you listed are Toyota part numbers, maybe they are KYB numbers?

From what I can decipher, the part numbers are identical for all 3rd Gens, although Toyota did make the higher force cold climate struts (that's what I have now).

I'm guessing that at 23-27 years of age, none of these are going to be original if they are holding up the tailgate at all. So you probably found a replacement set in the '97.

 

[Deej101]

None of the part numbers you listed are Toyota part numbers, maybe they are KYB numbers?

Right, those are the numbers stamped into the metal, likely KYB# (but are they Toyota parts? Or is KYB an aftermarket brand?)

I'm guessing that at 23-27 years of age, none of these are going to be original if they are holding up the tailgate at all. So you probably found a replacement set in the '97.

Heh, maybe so, good. Although the bushings were brittle in all of them, need to get some nylon parts to compensate.

OT: I got your hood strut kit a few years back and now that I'm finally ready to install, can't find it, lol. Must search harder.

 

[Spiker Engineering]

Right, those are the numbers stamped into the metal, likely KYB# (but are they Toyota parts? Or is KYB an aftermarket brand?)Heh, maybe so, good. Although the bushings were brittle in all of them, need to get some nylon parts to compensate.

I believe KYB is aftermarket, at least my Toyota struts do not say KYB on them..

OT: I got your hood strut kit a few years back and now that I'm finally ready to install, can't find it, lol. Must search harder.

I hate when that happens! They're probably hiding in the same place as all the missing socks.