Tailgate Lift Strut Replacement for 1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner is very popular. Even the best vehicles have lift supports on the tailgate wear out. You don’t need a mechanic to remove and replace the lifts - we’ll show you how!
#liftsupports #struts #autorepair #toyota #toyota4runner
We always purchase our lift supports from Lift Supports Depot (www.liftsupportdepot.com). With nearly 8,000 products, they carry lift supports for trucks, cars, camping trailers, RVs, toolboxes, utility boxes, and more. We don't get a commission if you buy from them, but we think they are a great company with great products, and we like to help get the word out about them.
Here's the link for the product you'll need for a 1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner:
https://www.liftsupportsdepot.com/23-...
For other models and years of the Toyota 4Runner, follow this link. You'll be able to enter your vehicle's model year and trim package to order exactly what you need for your vehicle:
https://www.liftsupportsdepot.com/lif...
You can visit Lift Support Depot's online store by visiting:
www.liftsupportdepot.com
My friend Mike likes his 2001 Toyota 4Runner. He’s had it for a long time and takes good care of it. He’s noticed that the lift supports on the tailgate have started to lose their effectiveness. They work well in hot weather but not in cold. It’s time to remove and replace them!
If this job is done at an automotive repair facility, it can be quite expensive. The good news is that this repair is easily within the reach of the average shade tree mechanic, even someone with very little automotive maintenance experience and only a few tools.
We got a set, complete with the hardware kit, for Mike’s 2001 4Runner. They sell for about $17 to $30 each, depending on what manufacturer you order from LiftSupportsDepot.
This particular kit fits model years 1996-2002. It’s important that you order the correct model year when ordering your lift supports for a 4Runner. 1996-2002 models have unique brackets that require pins and clips to mount the lift supports. This system is unique to this range of model years for the 4Runner. Almost all vehicles (except some BMWs) use a ball stud setup.
As far as 4Runners go, the 1996 to 2002 model years use brackets, pins, and clips to affix the lift support to the vehicle. 2003 - 2009 model years have a special bracket on one end. 2010 to 2023 model years all have the more common ball socket and stud system.
If an accessory, like a rooftop access ladder (https://gobiracks.com/product-categor..., is added to the vehicle, then the supports have to be higher-pressure ones to be able to lift and hold the load.
The removal and replace typically is done using these steps:
1. Open the tailgate and support it on a 6’/1.83 M stepladder. If a stepladder is not available, an assistant can be used to keep the tailgate open.
2. Remove and replace one lift support at a time. If the strut utilizes the most common ball stud and socket system, use a small flat screwdriver to retract the clip to allow the strut to release from the ball stud. Don’t pry off the clip entirely, just retract it far enough to accomplish strut release. If the end is a yoke, pin and C-clip, use a small flat screwdriver to remove the clip clip, remove the pin and release the strut. Do this for each end of one strut. Remove the strut.
3. Replace the strut, reversing the steps to install it. Raise or lower the tail gate as need to get the end of the support to align with the mounts. Reuse any hardware that is needed if the struts did not come with new hardware. Assure that the support is in the right position. This is determined by assuring the end of the strut that the chrome rod exits the cylinder body is in the DOWN position when the tailgate is CLOSED. This assures that the lubricant in the cylinder body keeps the cylinder and rod seal moisturized.
4. Move to the other side, and repeat the process for the remaining lift support.
Remove the ladder (or if using an assistant, have them let the door go) and test the lift and range of motion for the struts. If you have ordered the right strut, your installation will work just fine, although the tailgate will feel “stiffer” than it has due to the improved lifting and dampening power of your new lift supports.
There you have it! You’ve changed out your lift supports and saved a significant amount. Way to go!
Buy your DFJ T-shirt, Cap, or Coffee Mug at https://www.dirtfarmerjay.com/shop
JUST DO IT YOURSELF!
Instagram: / dirtfarmerj
Facebook: / dirtfarmerjay