DIY Replace hood struts
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catfishbirddog
New member
Been meaning to do this ever since my hood closed and scared the crap out of me this winter. Wasn't under it but my back was turned to it, garage door closed and then BAM out of nowhere. Probably peed a little.
Now that it's warmer they have held up for several hours at a time, guess the gas (whatever is left in them) expands when warmer. Will probably replace mine come this fall or winter though, thanks for the write up & pics. $30 parts > hood falling on head.
What was wrong with the old manual support rod? I miss the old 3rd gen days - never had to bypass secondary air or replace hood struts back then. /end rant
AlexJet
New member
Do you recall the part number of the struts? Based on your picture those are Monroe ones.
lightfreak
New member
They’re like $150 each from Toyota dealers in Canada. These are one of the few repairs where OEM is probably not worth it.
I picked up the StrongArm 6228 struts from Amazon.ca last summer for $23 CAD each on clearance , they are usually around $45
They’re identical to the Monroe, I believe they’re sold under a number of different brands.
AlexJet
New member
Yes, I got a quote of $120 each from my parts guy at the dealer. Looking for an aftermarket replacement. If one would cost even $40, it's like 1/3 of original one cost. Therefore my OEM lasted 13 years, hopefully I'll get at least 5 from Monroe or StrongArm.
RBLACAUSA
Member
Same issue. Almost got decapitated and amputated the past couple days.
$80 US each side for OEM supports bought thru discount on store, but my originals have lasted me almost 14 years so that's pretty compelling reason to stay with OEM.
Looked at those StrongArms on Amazon but some of the reviews mentioned failure after 1-2 yrs and the warranty is only 1 year. Having to replace every 2-3 years would be a fool's errand.
I'm going to guess that the NAPA or Monroe supports are better??
P.S. I agree about the manual support rod. Gonna talk to a neighbor who does metal fab and see if we can figger something out.
$80 US each side for OEM supports bought thru discount on store, but my originals have lasted me almost 14 years so that's pretty compelling reason to stay with OEM.
Looked at those StrongArms on Amazon but some of the reviews mentioned failure after 1-2 yrs and the warranty is only 1 year. Having to replace every 2-3 years would be a fool's errand.
I'm going to guess that the NAPA or Monroe supports are better??
P.S. I agree about the manual support rod. Gonna talk to a neighbor who does metal fab and see if we can figger something out.
RBLACAUSA
Member
Can you post up the part #'s? Or is there a Buyer's guide on line that'll walk you thru the process.
EDIT: Nevermind...found 'em... http://www.monroe.com/en-US/e-catalog/900105
Last edited:
AlexJet
New member
Yes, I ordered 900105.
oljedi11950
New member
Lift supports depot.com
RBLACAUSA
Member
ME TOO!! I just bought two (Monroe 900105) at Pep Boys for $53.20 US out the door.
I saw similar on Amazon, but didn't say "Monroe" and had no reviews so didn't want to risk it.
Installed exactly like the DIY in post #1...so simple even I could do it, even after getting concussed and having my arm pinched off by the hood slamming down on me yesterday.
I saw similar on Amazon, but didn't say "Monroe" and had no reviews so didn't want to risk it.
Installed exactly like the DIY in post #1...so simple even I could do it, even after getting concussed and having my arm pinched off by the hood slamming down on me yesterday.
jescowhite
New member
Has anyone had issues with the ball screw not fitting into the hood? I purchased Sachs replacements and the screw does not fit in the hood. The original is about 1/4” longer and not threaded for the first 1/4”. I have an 05 Limited V6.
I want to purchase the Monroe 900105 but the screw looks the same as the Sachs model that does not fit.
I want to purchase the Monroe 900105 but the screw looks the same as the Sachs model that does not fit.
46runner
Member
Some more data points for those who care.
My lifts went south a year ago. Bought replacements ("Autosaver88") from somewhere. Noted one side would occasionally pop off of its ball fitting. Scared my teen driver when she was checking the oil -- she wasn't shy about getting under the hood until it came down upon her head (insert Beatles medley).
The Autosaver88s didn't have clips or any obvious spring/mechanism to keep them on their balls beyond the pressure of the lift against the fitting. One side was stronger than the other, so the weak side always let go.
Finally had enough of that nonsense -- bought the Monroe-branded replacements. Pulled off the old strut, undid the 12mm ball fittings, put on the new (13mm) Monroe fittings, noted each end of the Monroes have spring clips in the ball socket. Literally popped the Monroes on (nothing more than a palm slap seats them, no disassembly). They are stiff and dang near perfect. The girl is out there changing her oil now.
My grandfather was a racer a century ago. He always said, 'First, last and always -- buy quality. You won't regret it.' Bapa was right, again.
My lifts went south a year ago. Bought replacements ("Autosaver88") from somewhere. Noted one side would occasionally pop off of its ball fitting. Scared my teen driver when she was checking the oil -- she wasn't shy about getting under the hood until it came down upon her head (insert Beatles medley).
The Autosaver88s didn't have clips or any obvious spring/mechanism to keep them on their balls beyond the pressure of the lift against the fitting. One side was stronger than the other, so the weak side always let go.
Finally had enough of that nonsense -- bought the Monroe-branded replacements. Pulled off the old strut, undid the 12mm ball fittings, put on the new (13mm) Monroe fittings, noted each end of the Monroes have spring clips in the ball socket. Literally popped the Monroes on (nothing more than a palm slap seats them, no disassembly). They are stiff and dang near perfect. The girl is out there changing her oil now.
My grandfather was a racer a century ago. He always said, 'First, last and always -- buy quality. You won't regret it.' Bapa was right, again.
ads2539
New member
Like member lightfreak, I also just installed the StrongArm 6228 lifts in my 2004. I bought them on Amazon.com.
I have no idea how long the OEMs were bad - I don’t remember them ever working like the StrongArms do, and I have owned my T4R since 2007. The hood now goes up by itself, and I actually have to push it to close it. I used to have to lift the hood myself with the OEMs, but it did stay up. Anything below ~half way up, and it would close. Now, as soon as I unhook the hood, it goes all the way up.
I hope the StrongArms last a long time. So far, they work great!
I have no idea how long the OEMs were bad - I don’t remember them ever working like the StrongArms do, and I have owned my T4R since 2007. The hood now goes up by itself, and I actually have to push it to close it. I used to have to lift the hood myself with the OEMs, but it did stay up. Anything below ~half way up, and it would close. Now, as soon as I unhook the hood, it goes all the way up.
I hope the StrongArms last a long time. So far, they work great!
