Rear hatch?

[mf2kta]

I have an 06 SR5 that I've had for a couple of months. Is the rear hatch supposed to be so hard to close? My wife is pregnant, and she does not want to even try to close it right now. I never noticed, but it is pretty hard to pull down. Anybody know of an alternative hatch support to use? Thanks....

 

[cmb]

My wife is 4'10'' and not pregnant, and the first time she tried to close a 4R we testdrove she pulled a muscle in her shoulder.Might be a lighter duty shock-rod you could try, other than a good lube job on the existing ones......congrats!

 

[Kmvreter]

The wife rarely needs to use the truck but I've taught her a trick to help with this. I discovered this by accident once in good weather.
Roll down the rear window (using the keyfob button from the distance) before opening the hatch. The weight of the glass in the down position changes the balance on the hatch and makes it easier to close. That's probably why the struts are so stiff.