What's average life of liftgate struts?

[jjdbike]

Hey folks,
My 2011
Liftgate struts seem to be starting to lose their strength, albeit very intermittently. My concern is when it gets cold they may fail quickly, especially w/ a head wind, and at a highly inconvenient time.
What is the average lifespan of these struts? Any clue on how much replacement costs?
I know this sounds silly but I'm anal about keeping this in good repair.
Thanks
JD

 

[LawnDart]

Hey folks,
My 2011
Liftgate struts seem to be starting to lose their strength, albeit very intermittently. My concern is when it gets cold they may fail quickly, especially w/ a head wind, and at a highly inconvenient time.
What is the average lifespan of these struts? Any clue on how much replacement costs?
I know this sounds silly but I'm anal about keeping this in good repair.
Thanks
JD

I have a pair of OEM ones if you want to PM me.

 

[philsey]

Hey folks,
My 2011
Liftgate struts seem to be starting to lose their strength, albeit very intermittently. My concern is when it gets cold they may fail quickly, especially w/ a head wind, and at a highly inconvenient time.
What is the average lifespan of these struts? Any clue on how much replacement costs?
I know this sounds silly but I'm anal about keeping this in good repair.
Thanks
JD

Mine failed inside the 3/36 wty, and again in <3 yrs, so I bought some HD ones.

Yes, they'll fail and conk yer melon, and yes they'll get worse in the cold.

Do it now. It's easy.

 

[scanny]

I still have original ones, it's a little bit over 7 years now.

 

[doberman_baby]

Have a 2010.
1 was going a few months ago and decided to change both strong arm 6550.
Very quick DIY.

 

[Boba_Fox2015]

I have a 2015 LTE and mine just failed this month. Apparently, volatile weather can cause them to go out early! I ordered my Gobi ladder and saw that they also sell struts. 2 for $145 is cheaper then the dealer!

 

[tslycord]

$17/each....

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...edition-beast-build-thread-8.html#post1148195

 

[living4surf]

My 2014 just gave out with 45k

 

[jjdbike]

Have a 2010.
1 was going a few months ago and decided to change both strong arm 6550.
Very quick DIY.

Thanks everyone.
So mine going now is in line w/ others if not longer lived than others (i.e. 2011 75k).

Doberman,
Are these (i.e. Strong Arm 6550), stronger, or longer lasting than OEM?
Thanks.
JD

 

[jjdbike]

Mine failed inside the 3/36 wty, and again in <3 yrs, so I bought some HD ones.

Yes, they'll fail and conk yer melon, and yes they'll get worse in the cold.

Do it now. It's easy.

Thanks philsey,

So HD ones? Are the Strongarm 6550 doberman mentioned the HD ones?
JD

 

[philsey]

Thanks philsey,

So HD ones? Are the Strongarm 6550 doberman mentioned the HD ones?
JD

Yup. They open slower, and need a little more force to close, but no way am I spending OEM money. Just be sure you have something to hold the hatch up while you do it..

 

[jjdbike]

Yup. They open slower, and need a little more force to close, but no way am I spending OEM money. Just be sure you have something to hold the hatch up while you do it..

View attachment 267537

Thanks folks!
JD

 

[godonr]

2013 tailgate support/lift question

Have a 2013 Limited with premium sound. apparently it requires a different strut pair than "regular w/o premium" 4runner. has anyone messed with this and just used regular struts? NAPA has one that supports 216lbs but not sure they will work. Need some tech info before dropping dealer dollars on a pair.

 

[TEN613RPro]

What's the spec for your limited premium set up struts? How does it stack up to the 216 lb ones? Strongarm is a company I've used in the past for my Excursion rear window. Interesting point on the excursion lifts is the 2wd struts allow the window to open up more and the thinking is on 2wd it is okay because that vehicle sits lower than the 4wd one. Everyone puts the 2wd ones on to get the window open more.

Try here. https://www.liftsupportsdepot.com/shopby/2013/toyota/4runner/limited-sport-utility-4door/

NickB brings up a good point I didn't think of.

 

[Nick B]

Once you pop the latch do those Strongarm 6550 struts lift the hatch on their own or do you need to give the hatch a boost up ?

 

[godonr]

can only find a number 68908-0W091 for left side and 68907-0W091 for the right. concern is it's a heavy tailgate with the premium sound system not sure worth taking the chance on none OEM

 

[godonr]

68907 is listed as a lift cylinder, 68908 as a support cylinder

 

[Beer Hounds]

That is crazy, my '99 with 217k never had issues with these. Maybe Toyota went to a cheaper made product later on?