StrongArm 4286 Gas Charged Lift Supports review

[buish]

I bought a pair of the StrongArm lift supports b/c my factory supports were getting weak. It would have trouble going up and when the window was lowered into the hatch, the hatch would drop down a bit. I was originally going to buy a set of Monroe's, but after reading poor reviews on Amazon, I decided to go with StrongArm. I got them off Ebay, from seller "mrlousstuff". It was $44 free shipping, but I had to pay tax since I'm in CA.


Tools used:

Ratchet
3" extension
12mm socket
Pair of flat head screwdrivers

Time: Less than 30 minutes


Here they are:

Since I was doing it myself, I used a ladder and a Lisle hood prop rod to hold up the hatch.

The lower mounting point. Remove 2 bolts with a 12mm socket.

The upper mounting point. Remove 2 bolts with a 12mm socket.

 

[buish]

I used a pair of flat head screwdrivers to remove the c-clip.

Upper part. Bolt, bracket, and c-clip.

Lower part. Bolt, washer, bracket, and c-clip.

Wiped the dirt off the parts and put back together. When I mounted them to the car. I had to stand on the ladder and push up with my shoulder on the hatch to make screwing in the bolts easier so the brackets weren't resting on the bolts.

I have a couple videos that I'm uploading to youtube. Its a new camera and I guess I shot it in HD so its taking awhile.

1st video shows opening the hatch with window closed. Then lowering the window into the hatch to test if they stay up.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaXRNhhozcc

2nd video shows opening the hatch with window opened.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1dt88PRw_E

When the hatch gets near the top, the stroke is controlled and it starts to slow down, which is a good feature. I read the Monroe's would go full power all the way. I noticed when opening the hatch with the window down, it doesn't go up all the way. It needs a little help near the top to fully extend. Its not that big of a deal to me since its near the top. You can see it in the 2nd video. It was worth the money to me since I don't need to worry about the hatch falling down on my head. Would definitely recommend if someone needs new supports.

 

[kball]

Nice write up!

 

[J-money$$$]

Sweet find. Mine falls on my head when its cold outside. even with the window up.

 

[four flusher]

rubber grommets

did you replace the rubber grommets?

 

[spongerx]

Looks good. What kind of camera are you using?

 

[Ron Helmuth]

nicely done and well documented.

This seems to be a common issue with our aging Runners, and nice to see the product named and install photographed so logically.

Well done!

 

[buish]

No, I didn't replace my rubber grommets. They did have some wear, but weren't to the point of falling apart. StrongArm does not come with any grommets, just the strut. If I did need to replace them, I would hope one of these fit. If I got time later today, I'll take one apart and get some measurements.

Grommets & Grommet Material


I am using a Canon S95. Its a point and shoot. I'm not into photography, so all the cameras I have owned are point and shoot.


The stock support is made by KYB.

 

[bim3]

I just installed these last weekend! I agree that they work very well, and were easy to install. I actually got them from Amazon, I think they were about $55 for the set, with free shipping.

One note about the install- like you, I unbolted the mounts when I did the first one. However, on the second I just popped the c-clips and swapped shocks on the truck. It saved a bit of time, and I don't think there was a downside.

 

[BigFishAllDay]

Nice write-up man. Mine are starting to go on my '97, so I might have to check these out soon.

 

[four flusher]

Ordered some today

thanks for the info, used the same ebay seller
ps I'm tired of hitting my head at the ski hill

 

[AzHic13]

I just did mine today, but I used the Monroe 901446 Max lifts, picked them up at Amazon for $20 a piece. Seem to work well. My gromets are completely toasted though, so i'll have to check the site you posted to find a replacement. Great write up though. Thanks

 

[AzHic13]

I just installed these last weekend! I agree that they work very well, and were easy to install. I actually got them from Amazon, I think they were about $55 for the set, with free shipping.

One note about the install- like you, I unbolted the mounts when I did the first one. However, on the second I just popped the c-clips and swapped shocks on the truck. It saved a bit of time, and I don't think there was a downside.

I just went ahead and only undid the clips on each one and didn't have any real problems.

 

[awpsome]

got a question!

i have deadener all over the hatch of my truck so its much heavier, i have to push it up to fully open but the best part is that mines doesnt sound as bad as everyone elses where it falls on their heads..

when you ordered the shocks or first started looking for them, did you search by length?
maybe ill invest in some shocks but i might need a little more punch to mines.

 

[fenrisx]

What are these grommets everyone is talking about? I replaced mine last year with the Strongarm ones and don't remember seeing any. They work fantastic though.

I believe it would be the one in this picture (still attached to the bracket):

 

[NickF]

I did mine recently too, and replaced it with Monroes, paid very little on amazon:nerd:

 

[SkidPalace]

2nd video shows opening the hatch with window opened.
YouTube - StrongArm 4286 4runner gas charged lift supports 2 of 2

No thanks.
My 11 year old original struts work better than that in the cold.

Nice job with the videos though. Thanks for posting!

 

[MossyMO]

buish
Thanks for posting the thread! Ordered StrongArm 4286's off eBay for $44 and free shipping for my wife's '99 Limited.

 

[OU4x4]

i just installed the monroe shocks and they slow down near the top.
they aren't full power all the way up.
i think it's a function of the weight of the door, not the design of the shock.

 

[NathanOfSeattle]

Hey guys I just replaced mine as well and the rubber grommets were shot. I saw in this thread this link was mentioned. Which one should I get?

Grommets & Grommet Material