The weather is turning cold which means the original liftgate supports on my '94 are useless. I've gotten hit in the head plenty of times and after trying some jerry rigged options (bungie cords), I decided to replace the supports.
As I'm sure y'all know, the OEM Toyota lifts are $100+ EACH, so not doing that. I found a pair on eBay for just under $28 shipped from Wisconsin Auto Supply. At that price I figured it's worth the risk if they don't fit or work.
I'm happy to say they work great! Some advice for those wanting to do this:
- find a good support to hold the liftgate as high as it will go; for the first one I used a broom handle which didn't work so well and my wife and kid found it to heavy to hold for too long; for the second one I used a ladder and a crutch, worked great
- you'll need a 10mm socket and wrench; the second from the bottom bolt is the trickiest, very tight space
The supports are strong enough that they not only hold up the hatch but lift it all the way up almost immediately after opening, very nice!
View attachment 1168154
As I'm sure y'all know, the OEM Toyota lifts are $100+ EACH, so not doing that. I found a pair on eBay for just under $28 shipped from Wisconsin Auto Supply. At that price I figured it's worth the risk if they don't fit or work.
I'm happy to say they work great! Some advice for those wanting to do this:
- find a good support to hold the liftgate as high as it will go; for the first one I used a broom handle which didn't work so well and my wife and kid found it to heavy to hold for too long; for the second one I used a ladder and a crutch, worked great
- you'll need a 10mm socket and wrench; the second from the bottom bolt is the trickiest, very tight space
The supports are strong enough that they not only hold up the hatch but lift it all the way up almost immediately after opening, very nice!
View attachment 1168154