Maxpow Rear Hatch Support Tailgate Gas Charged Lift Support Struts Shocks Liftgate Cylinder Compatible with 4Runner 1996-2002 2Pcs 4286 SG229011 (Fit for 4Runner Tailgate Without Added Ladder)

I bought these struts to replace the liftgate on my 2001 4runner, and I was very pleased with the result. A few tips for an easy install. 1. If you are installing by yourself, use a 6' step ladder, and some towels to prop up the liftgate. 2. To remove the OEM c-clips, use a flat head screw driver that will fit into the slots. Insert screw driver into one of the slots, and twist counter clockwise. 3. Use a small punch and pop out the pins. 4. There's a nylon bushing that goes inside the top of the struts, and it will need to be replace. Unfortunately they are not available individually, however you can make your own. Go to your local home improvement store that has the intitials "HD", and they have a section call "nylon spacer". Get 1 spacer, and cut it in half, with some sanding it will fit nice and snug. I've included a picture of the part number for the spacer, and the tools I used for the fitting part ( 60 grit sandpaper and vice grips). 5. Don't forget to put back the OEM metal spacer when you install the lower part of the struts. You Willsee what I'm talking about when you take the old ones off. Installation should take 10-15 min, the longest part was cutting, and fitting the nylon bushings. I like the design of these replacements, they seem more solid than the OEM. Threaded bolts on the upper, easy clip pins on the bottom. I hope this will make your install a simple job. BTW, if you can get a second person to help, it's much easier. I did one side, and help with the other side. Update: It's 4-5 months since I installed these, and it was a cold winter here in VA. They work fine in the cold months, so let's see how they hold up in the summer (gases expand in the heat). 4/18/21 Update: It's now going into the fall, and they still work fine. During the summer months here in VA, they seem to be a bit "stiffer", gases do expand. I just wanted to comment on one reviewer that left a 3 star review, with an image of the upper strut. He left out the nylon bushing that I had mention previously! If Toyota put a bushing there, there must be a reason for it. 10/12/2021

i did not take long to install and now it lifts all the way up and stays there on cool 35* mornings. i did add a steel washer to each top as other reviewers had suggested. it would have been fine without the addition of the washers to shim but i had them in stock and if that is any concern they could easily be added later.

These supports were easy to install & work great. I had to get used to closing my rear door again. I put these on my 4runner’s rear hatch door. It started closing itself & bonking me on the head so I bought these & totally fixed the the problem! Now I find myself having to push it closed again with a pretty firm push. I encourage all who read this to trust that these will work for your doors. The s Klee is great as well.

Worked fine, very easy to install. However, my elderly mom cannot pull down the hatch on her vehicle now because these are so stiff. Probably doesn't matter for someone of regular strength, but they are stouter than stock. Still, recommended based on price and ease of installation.

Wow, I was a bit skeptical at first, since these are not Toyota branded, but oh, was I proven correct in ordering them! I watched a quick YT video on how to replace the OEM on our ‘98 4Runner, after the originals lost compression. Installation was about 10-12 mins. Gas on these are great and the hatchback opens completely, like it originally did back in 1998. Great quality and have had them installed for a few months. We love these and highly recommend them.

Replaced on a 97 4Runner. Lifts work excellent, installed and used in cold weather, around mid 20's. Very smooth actuation up and down and gate lifts all by itself now after raising just a bit. Pay attention to prior posts if you need to replace nylon bushings as this was a great help especially on a truck so old. These came from another big box store not HD but L's and you just need to cut to length to fit inside of upper mounting bracket on lift. These worked on my 97 4runner but there are many sizes available. Hillman 2 Count 0.500-in x 3/8-in Nylon Standard (SAE) Flat Washer $1.20 for 2 in a pack! Item #136994 Model #880440 Wish I had replaced years ago to limit my grief LOL.

This set of shocks for $44 saved me $350-$400 at the Toyota dealership. The Toyota parts dept wanted over $100 for EACH of the two shocks. The Maxpow shocks had a quality steel build with simple to use connectors. Spacers were needed bot a few standard washers easily filled the bill. The lift is firm and quiet. I am very satisfied! Mike Bachman

This is my third set of tail gate struts for a 1998 4runner They (after market) are ALL made in China. They ALL work... ish. They ALL begin to fail after 2-3 years. They ALL initially work fairly well..... and then they ALL degrade after that. China quality is so sub-par. Cold weather and they enter negative star territory. If you drive a 4 runner in the tropics you might be better off. So...... it is a continual routine of replace. There is a reason why Toyota OEM cost $100 for a pair. Which.... after using a sharp pencil one realizes........ you are perhaps dollar ahead to buy OEM if you aim to keep your 4runner for longer than... 2-3 years...

Direct replacement from the OEMs has enough power to lift tailgate took me 10 minutes to install. However, you will need washers if you mind the gap’s. I have not done it yet and it is still working fine no rattling nothing. One Bolt end screws into post and then you are able to install the nut will not slip out. I was worried about this when I first purchased this set of struts and it will it will not be an issue.

Bought as replacement for both shocks, but luckily one of my original shocks was still good, these shocks look good and fit but DO NOT support rear hatch in cold winter weather. No happy at all with purchase