Monroe Max Lift Struts for the rear hatch

[econhonda]

Haha. Let's be clear, we both got "bad sets", but that is weird that yours is especially weak. Maybe your tailgate has been reinforced with bulletproofing, and that is why it won't lift it all the way. Yep, I'm guessing that's it. Or I guess it could be that Monroe's quality control, not to mention the initial design isn't up to par. I think the bulletproofing sounds more likely.

 

[Mellow77]

Haha. Let's be clear, we both got "bad sets", but that is weird that yours is especially weak. Maybe your tailgate has been reinforced with bulletproofing, and that is why it won't lift it all the way. Yep, I'm guessing that's it. Or I guess it could be that Monroe's quality control, not to mention the initial design isn't up to par. I think the bulletproofing sounds more likely.

I guess I forgot to mention my Death Race inspired "Castlestone" rear armor...

 

[econhonda]

Exactly what I pictured.

 

[Bearded Cabbage]

why not try one of each? stock underpowered on the left and monroe overpowered on the right? Just a thought.

 

[Mellow77]

why not try one of each? stock underpowered on the left and monroe overpowered on the right? Just a thought.

Not a bad idea but I wonder how much torque or twist that would place on the hatch and hatch clasps?

 

[T4R2014]

No experience with the Monroe's but I recommend the StrongArm brand struts. I installed them 2 years ago and they're still going strong.

No problems other than that they're not as powerful when it's cold outside but I'm pretty sure that's normal?

I remember seeing a thread where a guy made a video of installation and testing it. I'll try to dig it up.

Edit: Found it.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/84149-strongarm-4286-gas-charged-lift-supports-review.html

 

[econhonda]

why not try one of each? stock underpowered on the left and monroe overpowered on the right? Just a thought.

Listen up pal. The reason is because... It's because. Um. I didn't think of that. That's a good idea, actually. Unfortunately, it's not one I can try out anymore because I have long since trashed those OE ones. You may have just invented a new mod. If it's going to catch on you'll need a clever name for it, though (not like your ultra bland and common username). Just kidding, I am in a unique mood today.

+1 for the Bearded Cabbage Lift Support idea. Might just do the trick.

 

[Mellow77]

No experience with the Monroe's but I recommend the StrongArm brand struts. I installed them 2 years ago and they're still going strong.

No problems other than that they're not as powerful when it's cold outside but I'm pretty sure that's normal?

I remember seeing a thread where a guy made a video of installation and testing it. I'll try to dig it up.

Edit: Found it.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/84149-strongarm-4286-gas-charged-lift-supports-review.html

I'm confused, you're recommending these based on the performance this video demonstrates? These show the exact problem I have and want to fix! If that's how a new set of StrongArms perform then no thanks. Do they have a stronger strut for the same applications perhaps?

The gate should extend all the way up but is depicted here as stopping well short of that. I want to replace my stock struts (currently performing just like the ones shown) with some that open the door to it's full extent.

 

[T4R2014]

I'm confused, you're recommending these based on the performance this video demonstrates? These show the exact problem I have and want to fix! If that's how a new set of StrongArms perform then no thanks. Do they have a stronger strut for the same applications perhaps?

The gate should extend all the way up but is depicted here as stopping well short of that. I want to replace my stock struts (currently performing just like the ones shown) with some that open the door to it's full extent.

Sorry if I didn't read your original post. The StrongArms work as the OEM's did when they were new. I replaced my OEM's since they were worn out to a point of barely lifting the hatch halfway up. Yes, they will sag when the window is down though but my OEM's did that too.

 

[Mellow77]

Sorry if I didn't read your original post. The StrongArms work as the OEM's did when they were new. I replaced my OEM's since they were worn out to a point of barely lifting the hatch halfway up. Yes, they will sag when the window is down though but my OEM's did that too.

Hmmm, I'm still on the search for a stronger solution then. Thanks for the info!

 

[HCurphy]

why not try one of each? stock underpowered on the left and monroe overpowered on the right? Just a thought.

There's a review on amazon, that depicted this scenario. The reviewer stated there was terrible binding and that it would not work. I just wanted to put that out there. I'm all for someone else trying this scenario.

 

[jaypapa]

Were the OE ones made by KYB? My 2000 has a KYB sticker on each, but no part #. Bought my 2000 used so I'm not sure. I've been to KYB's website trying to find a replacement because I've always been pleased with their suspension struts (used them on both an Accord and Impreza), but no luck.

 

[Jeffkin]

There's a review on amazon, that depicted this scenario. The reviewer stated there was terrible binding and that it would not work. I just wanted to put that out there. I'm all for someone else trying this scenario.

I got 2 of the StrongArm's from Amazon about a year ago. My stock shocks weren't completely shot, just going up slow or not all the way sometimes. I only replaced 1 and left the other one stock. Been working great for a year now.

I still need to figure out what to replace the grommets with though! Any ideas? They were plastic on my '98, not rubber.

From the other thread, something on here might just work for us?!

Grommets & Grommet Material

oh and GO 49ers!!!

 

[T4R2014]

I got 2 of the StrongArm's from Amazon about a year ago. My stock shocks weren't completely shot, just going up slow or not all the way sometimes. I only replaced 1 and left the other one stock. Been working great for a year now.

I still need to figure out what to replace the grommets with though! Any ideas? They were plastic on my '98, not rubber.

From the other thread, something on here might just work for us?!

Grommets & Grommet Material

oh and GO 49ers!!!

I keep hearing about those grommets but i don't recall seeing any on mine...

Do you have pics of where they are supposed to be?

 

[Jeffkin]

I keep hearing about those grommets but i don't recall seeing any on mine...

Do you have pics of where they are supposed to be?

They go around the upper pivot point of each shock.

Did you buy your truck new? Possible that a previous owner replaced the shocks and threw them away, because they were SHOT like most of ours?

A guy did a little write up on replacing the shocks in an old thread and has pics of it. It's still ON the bracket that he took off here, his doesn't look as SHOT as mine...

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/84149-strongarm-4286-gas-charged-lift-supports-review.html

(I didn't take the bracket off when I replaced mine, you can just slide the C clip off)

 

[MountainBiker]

Just adding my experience to this thread.

Installed one Strongarm 4286, acts the same as before, barely going all the way up. I'll see how it works in the cold. With the OEM (KYB) struts in 35 degree temps, it won't stay up even after I push it to the top.

I only bought one Strongarm to limit my $$ in case it wasn't an improvement.

 

[Crashnrondo]

Are the Strongarms better than the Monroes? I installed the Monroes this summer and they were just OK, now with colder weather like 30-40 degrees they are all but useless.

 

[ThePerfectK]

Trying to find "the best"

I just ordered the Monroe 901446, hoping they work well in the cold (mixed reviews from what I've found).
Amazon.com: Monroe 901446 Max-Lift Hatch Lift Support: Automotive

I'd really love to find "the best" product out there, if anyone has any more recent feedback, please do share! I just moved to cold country and already in 25 degree weather my 1999 original stock lifts aren't doing the trick. I hope the Monroes I get are super over powered (as some have mentioned). I would love the stupid hatch to swing open on its own, that sounds ideal to me...

cheers! :thanks:

 

[shadow247]

Amazon.com: Stabilus SG229011 Lift Supports: Automotive

These are made by Sachs, known around the world for making fine shocks.

Edit, I don't have these on my Runner, my stock ones are still working quite well, although they don't make it last little bit, I have banged my head a few times because I wasn't paying attention.

 

[MountainBiker]

Installed one Strongarm 4286, acts the same as before, barely going all the way up. I'll see how it works in the cold. With the OEM (KYB) struts in 35 degree temps, it won't stay up even after I push it to the top.

I just ordered the Monroe 901446, hoping they work well in the cold (mixed reviews from what I've found).
Amazon.com: Monroe 901446 Max-Lift Hatch Lift Support: Automotive

Since the single Strongarm 4286 strut was no improvement, I bought a single Monroe 901446. Put it on today, and no, it doesn't provide any more motivation to lift the door than before, and the damping is stronger, so it stops going up at even a lower height than before. If I push it all the way up, it does stay up, at 50 degree temp. I'll try it again when it is cold. If it at least holds the door up after I push it up, even in 30 degrees, then it will be a slight improvement.

So for ~$46, my hatch struts are still ineffective. Hopefully my experience saves you all some money though!

The only good news is that now I can have a semi-operable hatch (with one Monroe and one Strongarm) when I send my OEM struts for a rebuild by Strut Wise, I'll be calling them soon to inquire.