Replacing liftgate support

[acolsen]

No luck in the new member forum so I'll try here. The ball joint on one of the liftgate supports rusted off. The dealer wants over $300 to replace both supports. A few dealers advertise OEM parts for $100 a piece. Some websites say there is a Strong Arm support that can be an OEM replacement (these only cost about $50). I would love to just replace the ball joint but these supports don't seem to have a removable clip for fitting them onto the ball joint. The top of the support also appears to be permanently attached to the bracket. Has anyone replaced these supports and what did you do? Thanks

 

[gaterose]

I replaced mine with strong arm struts about 2 months ago. So far so good. The strong arm struts have removable clips so after the initial $50-60 you can find struts at autozone or somewhere by comparing the lengths and ball sizes for replacement.

 

[acolsen]

strong arm replacement struts- mounting bracket?

strong arm sounds like an inexpensive way to go but do they come with a universal mounting bracket for the top attachment holes on the rear hatch? Do they also come with the ball studs?

 

[gaterose]

strong arm sounds like an inexpensive way to go but do they come with a universal mounting bracket for the top attachment holes on the rear hatch? Do they also come with the ball studs?

When you purchase the 4runner replacement struts (part number 6107) they come with everything except the 2 bolts.