Why the added trunk strut?

[alwaysme]

so i damaged a trim piece and got a replacement from the junk yard about a year back. Today i had some time to install it only to find out it has a slit whereas my original trim doesnt. Searched images online and came to know

1. Some land cruisers have them
2. Some land cruiser have them in addition to a strut that holds the trunk
3. Some do not like mine...

anyone know whats the point of it exactly..is it extra support for the trunk for later models ?

Also anyone able to extract a part number for the gasket/rubber that fills the gap and whether it can be purchased seperately? I asked the guy at the junk yard and says he is unable to find it

 

[NYC570]

Is your tailgate motorized?

 

[ToothDr]

That slot is for the motorized arm that raises the tailgate. Became standard on late models 2016 onward I think

 

[alwaysme]

Oh i see..i dont have a motorized trunk but i dont want to throw away my new trim piece either...anyone with the rubbery slit thing on their vehicle can share a vin so i can search for the part please? Now when i install the trim i can see the cars inner body so the rubber gasket/cover is really inportant for me

Also why would toyota have some models without a strut if the trunk is motorized as standard?

 

[05ls430518]

My man you have a random pineapple just rollen around in the back
Not making fun just made me chuckle a bit.

 

[CharlieS]

It was after '16 (I have a '16), but otherwise, I agree with @ToothDr - it is for the motorized tailgate lift assist.

 

[bloc]

Also why would toyota have some models without a strut if the trunk is motorized as standard?

Because some were built before they added the feature and some after.

 

[Supra Turbo]

Off topic, but I noticed the first image is of 13-15 interior - with no third row and a tonneau cover! Must have been an option outside of US. Would love to have a tonneau cover.

 

[bloc]

Also per parts diagrams it looks like the gasket is built in to the panel and not available separately. The *1 annotation says "RH only", but no part number is available for just that part.