Tip for those that replaced their lift supports for the rear tailgate

[azn toyo]

Hello all,
I've been lurking for some time and finally got a 4runner. I figured it was time to give something back to the forum. I replaced my liftgate supports with some Strong-Arm supports and as others have mentioned, they don't come with the "bushing" that is needed at at the end that needs to meet the liftgate. I was able to go to Lowes and find a nylon washer/spacer that worked perfectly once I cut it in half (one for each side). Here is a picture of the part from Lowes. Hopefully this helps someone else out.

 

[01thunder]

post a pic of the finished product please.

 

[snivilous]

Do you have a link to the shocks you used, and how well do they work? I bought these: 2 96 02 4Runner Rear Door Hatch Liftgate Gate Tailgate Lift Supports Shock Arms | eBay And they are hardly better than the stock ones that were going out, and don't really lift the tail gate like I was expecting...

 

[azn toyo]

Here a link to the ones I used. I live in NC so it doesn't get crazy cold here so I can't comment on how they would be up north. My old ones were pretty bad so these are a pretty big improvement over my old ones.

StrongArm 4286 Toyota 4Runner Liftgate Lift Support 1996-02, Pack of 1 : Amazon.com : Automotive

Here is a picture of the spacer and where it goes. I've only had them installed for a week so I can't really speak to how long the "spacer" will work but I think the Nylon is pretty strong and if not, on well, i can put another one on pretty easily.

 

[01thunder]

is it a tight fit?

 

[azn toyo]

It's the perfect length between the uprights of the lift support (when you cut one piece in half from lowes). There is about 1mm clearance between the spacer and the hole in the bracket that is attached to the lift gate. Just enough where is isn't loose, but there is still enough clearance for the bracket to move across the spacer when you open up. Hope that helps. Oh, the hole in my brackets that attached to the gate was a little bigger than normal due to the old bushing being toast and metal rubbing on metal before switching eveything out.

 

[92Pony]

Sorry to resurrect a two-yr-old thread, but I'm wondering how this fix has held up. OP?

 

[RedSled]

Sorry to resurrect a two-yr-old thread, but I'm wondering how this fix has held up. OP?

I did this also about 6 months ago, and it is still working great.

 

[catalina34]

Doing this today. Thanks for sharing the info.

 

[infamousRNR]

this is some great info/solution for a problem i've seen over the years....

is the only reason you would want to replace these struts is because the tail gail lift supports do not support the tail gate anymore

 

[RedSled]

this is some great info/solution for a problem i've seen over the years....

is the only reason you would want to replace these struts is because the tail gail lift supports do not support the tail gate anymore

That and the bushings get worn out and they start rattling around.

 

[catalina34]

Lost a c-clip that holds the strut bolt in. Anyone know the correct size for a replacement?

 

[ajonesnv]

That and the bushings get worn out and they start rattling around.

That very well be my ghost rattle...and more so in the cold. Ill need to check that out.

 

[azn toyo]

Hey guys.
Glad the post was helpful. The fix still seems to be working great. No problems reported on my end.

Thanks

 

[BamaDrewski]

Hey guys.
Glad the post was helpful. The fix still seems to be working great. No problems reported on my end.

Thanks

Wow....Deja vu: Posted this back in March of this year...

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/190644-rear-lift-strut-bushing-fix-$1-15-a.html

 

[Troybylt]

Wow....Deja vu: Posted this back in March of this year...

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/190644-rear-lift-strut-bushing-fix-$1-15-a.html

Yeah I used your "write up" on it shortly after you posted it, still going strong, looks like it may outlast my lift supports!

 

[sportsterchop200]

What section?

Is this piece in the plumbing section?

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

Is this piece in the plumbing section?

No, in the hardware drawers

 

[cbpat]

C clip / E Ring

Lost a c-clip that holds the strut bolt in. Anyone know the correct size for a replacement?

A little late but incase any one going forward needs a new C-Clip also called an E Ring I bought mine from Ace hardware they had plenty. It is a 1/4 inch E ring.

 

[96RedRunner]

Nylon Spacer for lift support

Ace Hardware also carries nylon washers that can be used without having to cut them in half as OP had to do.