Noisy tailgate dampers

[eurasiaoverland]

My tailgate dampers (one or both, not sure) always felt a bit weak (is the tailgate meant to lift up on its own when brought away from the striker?) and now are making a kind of groaning noise when I lift the tailgate up.

Are they shot? Or do they just need some lubrication somehow?

Thanks!

 

[RedSled]

Yes they are dead, i replaced mine with strongarm lifts, get the heavy duty ones you will be happy.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/187093-whos-changed-their-lift-gate-struts-2.html