Hood lift strut - who makes a good replacement

[wallycruiser]

My hood dropped down unexpectedly for the last time today. I went looking for a replacement hood lift support (strut) and found a wide span in pricing. I believe that (for the most part) you get what you pay for. Here's what I found.

Toyota dealer: $84.20 ea.
NAPA: $76.99 ea.
Checker: $38.99 ea. mfg= Strong Arm
Autozone: $25.99 ea. mfg= Mighty Lift

I didn't think to ask who the manufacturer's were for Toyota and NAPA. Maybe I'll call back and ask.

Does anyone out there have recommendations for quality replacement units?

Thanks

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Search. I went with a pair of Strong Arms off Ebay for like $40. Been fine for 2 years.

 

[Topoguide]

There is a post here that talks about Mr Lou's. This is where I got mine from and they have worked great. Currently they are about $22 each, I definitely recommend them.

 

[wallycruiser]

That post was from 2008. The current offering at the link didn't look like he discribed in the thread as far as I could tell. He mentioned a circlip connector holding the ball and socket. How does the nylon end work compared to the stock ball and socket?

How long ago did you buy yours? What brand are they? Do they have the nylon socket on each end?

Aftermarket definately sounds like the way to go. I'd just like to pick the best aftermarket strut that I can.

 

[wareagle]

I ordered a set from ebay for $40 shipped. Keywords for search were land cruiser hood lift. There were several available.

 

[wallycruiser]

So the cheaper lifts seem to work fine.

Are there any brands to stay away from?

 

[Topoguide]

That post was from 2008. The current offering at the link didn't look like he discribed in the thread as far as I could tell. He mentioned a circlip connector holding the ball and socket. How does the nylon end work compared to the stock ball and socket?

It works identical as far as usage goes. The only difference would be when you go to replace it next you wouldn't have to replace the ball portion as well, which should make replacement easier (not that it is difficult to begin with).

How long ago did you buy yours? What brand are they? Do they have the nylon socket on each end?

1 to 1.5 years ago. No brand on the strut so couldn't tell you. Yes they do, when it is all assembled it looks like any other strut.

Aftermarket definately sounds like the way to go. I'd just like to pick the best aftermarket strut that I can.

I think as long as the struts doen't drop the hood/bonnet on your head you should be fine.

 

[petrotk40]

just bought the ebay replacements, I'll post re: quality when I get them

2 NEW HOOD LIFT SUPPORTS STRUTS TOYOTA 1998 TO 2004: eBay Motors (item 170552262484 end time Oct-14-10 14:54:08 PDT)

 

[OregonLC]

I bought Toyota brand, although they're made by KYB. Fit perfect, hold great. They're like $65 online.

 

[MetroWest]

+1 on Mr. Lou's. Great customer service - the box had opened in transit and was missing a strut - he replied to my email that day and sent a replacement by FedEx next day shipping.

 

[Anthony.L]

+1 on Mr. Lou's. Great customer service

Ditto, I ordered new front and rear struts for the LC from Mr. Lou and was very happy. Good price, and very fast shipping.

The new struts are VERY powerful compared to the tired OEM ones. One new strut easily held up the hood.

Lift Supports Systems | Hood | Window | Trunk | Hatch | Auto Parts By Lou

 

[9toys]

ditto on Mr Lou's on both hood and tailgate lifts.

 

[Tahomatom]

ditto on mr lou's. Shipped same day. Arrived in 2. Of course they have been sitting on the counter for several weeks

Guess what I am doing this weekend

 

[Anthony.L]

If you got someone to hold the hood/tail gate for you it goes really quick. I did not and you have to get creative with a prop.

 

[OregonLC]

If you got someone to hold the hood/tail gate for you it goes really quick. I did not and you have to get creative with a prop.

You can do it one-handed if you loosen the nuts before you take one end off.

 

[petrotk40]

has anyone tried mr lou's easy down thingy for the tailgate?

 

[bamachem]

I got two from Autozone about a year ago. Work fine so far. Less than $60 for two and took all of 5 minutes to change out.

 

[tnlandcruiser]

Think I'm gonna order a set or Mr Lou's myself! Mine work, but they seem a bit "tired."

 

[SmoothLC]

All - How easy are they to install?

OregonLC - Do you remember where you ordered the struts from?

I just got quoted $84.14 ea. from the local stealer.

I now have to put a wash bucket under the hood to hold it up while working in the engine bay.

Thanks.

 

[Anthony.L]

SmoothLC,

Order them from here.

Lift Supports Systems | Hood | Window | Trunk | Hatch | Auto Parts By Lou

They are $22 each for both front/rear. Might as well get the full set and get them all replaced now. It was just under a $100 shipped for four new ones for my LC.

They are super easy to install. Thread the ball stud into the stock hole where you removed the OEM lifts. Using a flathead screw driver slightly pry up on the metal tab on the back of the ball cup. Slide over the ball stud and let go of the tab. Done! Front and rear it's a 15 min install taking your time.