Rear Lift Strut Bushing Fix for $1.15

[gamefixer]

I just did this and some other stuff that's been bugging me on my third gen.

The gear selector was all wobbly, replaced 4 bushings and its good as new.

The driver's side door lock switch failed, replaced.

The thermostat crapped out.... Did a Timing belt and water pump job while I was in there. lol

 

[Skye20]

This post should be pinned! The solution is perfect.

Now to find a source for the Gen 3 strut pins with the clevis-like c-clip which secures to the strut. I am not finding those _anywhere_ !

 

[Bad Luck]

This post should be pinned! The solution is perfect.

Now to find a source for the Gen 3 strut pins with the clevis-like c-clip which secures to the strut. I am not finding those _anywhere_ !

I’ve only seen them come with the OEM rear hatch struts

 

[Skye20]

I’ve only seen them come with the OEM rear hatch struts

Same! It just seems odd that with the proliferation of parts available today that is one that just cannot be found. I wonder who makes them for the OEM rear hatch struts?

 

[Skye20]

The irony is, I have 3 Gen 3 4Runners and all three have different strut attachment hardware. And the new Tuff Support hatch struts do not have the collar for the pin/c-clip to attach to. Just a scrawny metal shaft welded directly to the shackle.

 

[bob919]

Part Numbers

Here are the part numbers for the nylon spacers and flat washers:

Nylon Spacers - Hillman P/N: 880440
Nylon Washers - Hillman P/N:884573

The blue big box retailer home improvement store has them as Item Number 136994 (spacers) and Item Number 423470 (washers).

Go to their website and enter the Item Number on the search bar and it will take you to the item's webpage. Put in your local store location prior to the search and it will tell you if they are available and the location (aisle/bay) in the store.

 

[gergsremmal]

Nice fix! I did something a little different, using a bronze bushing that has a flange. Bronze is softer than the steel mating parts, so it should last forever, but not as cheap as the plastic!

Hi MountainBiker,

While looking for bushings for my 1997 4Runner lift struts, I found your suggestion.

I clicked on the link you provided and see the McMaster-Carr flanged bronze sleeve bearing is 10 mm long. BamaDrewski's bearing fix halves one ½ x .328 x 1 Hillman nylon bushing, making the bushings 1/2" long, or 12.7 mm long.

Since the flanged bronze bearing in 10 mm, how do you make up for the 2.7 mm discrepancy?

Would you mind taking a pic or two of your McMaster-Carr flanged bronze sleeve bearing in place on the struts? It would help me.

Thanks.

Best,

gergsremmal (Greg)

 

[MountainBiker]

Hi MountainBiker,

While looking for bushings for my 1997 4Runner lift struts, I found your suggestion.

I clicked on the link you provided and see the McMaster-Carr flanged bronze sleeve bearing is 10 mm long. BamaDrewski's bearing fix halves one ½ x .328 x 1 Hillman nylon bushing, making the bushings 1/2" long, or 12.7 mm long.

Since the flanged bronze bearing in 10 mm, how do you make up for the 2.7 mm discrepancy?

Would you mind taking a pic or two of your McMaster-Carr flanged bronze sleeve bearing in place on the struts? It would help me.

Thanks.

Best,

gergsremmal (Greg)

I can't take pictures, as I installed OE "cold weather" liftgate struts in 2020, which included OE plastic bushings (got a screaming deal for the struts from an online dealer.) The Strongarm 4286 struts had started leaking after 8 years of use and weren't lifting completely.

As I recall, the Mcmaster bronze bushings fit fine, with a little clearance side to side, and they were still okay after 6 years of use. Both the plastic OE bushings and the bronze bushings can make some noise when opening the liftgate, so I occasionally add a few drops of teflon oil (bicycle chain lube typically)