makakio

Hi all -

I found a link to Strutwise while searching here at YT and as the lift struts on my rear hatch have gone limpy and weak (and apparently a number of yours as well based on what I've read here) I thought I'd pass the info along:

Frank Irvine is the owner of Strutwise and your contact.

They can be located at this URL: http://www.strutwise.com/

He rebuilds the hatch lift struts and has done a few very successfully for the 3rd-Gen 4Runners.

Charge is $35 CN per strut, you pay to ship both directions (he'll add the return ship cost to the total for you).

Can use UPS (via a carboard mailing tube) to ship from the US, however Frank says you *have* to declare "no value" on the package, otherwise customs will charge you duty.

He offers a 2-year warranty on all his work.

- Hope that helps some of you guys out w/ the lazy hatch syndrome.

garrett1478

have you done it yet? how'd it work out?

2000t4r

This is great information. What is the turn around time?

makakio

1) haven't done it yet
2) Frank says turn-around time is two days max.

Fink

Any word on these guys?

I started a new thread cause it took me forever to find this one...post in either.

Fink

CBDenver

Did you ever do this rebuild of your hatch struts?

Mine are shot and I need to do something. Anyone else used them for this service? Also, saw some mentioning McMaster Carr for replacement struts, but they had so many, was not sure of which part numbers etc.

Any advice is appreciated!!

Thanks.

CBDenver

Did anyone do the Strutwise.com rebuild?

Did anyone order replacements from somewhere else?

Marley2984

bump*

These strut threads seem to die without finding the deally. Anyone use strutwise? or find a cheaper way them paying $100+ per 4 OEM

CBDenver

Found this today for those of us looking for replacements. Never heard of them, but very reasonable. It was like $27 each for my 4Runner year. Check it out at:
http://www.liftsupportsdepot.com/

Anyone have any experience with them or heard of them?

Thanks and have a great weekend.

CB

CBDenver

Well I decided to order a set from the post above and see how they do. For about $52 with shipping for the pair its worth a shot. I'll post after I get them on with an update for anyone that needs them too.

CB

Marley2984

Great.. looks like a good price. Depending on your oppinion after delivery/installation I'll place the same order

MTL_4runner

The real test on them is in the dead of winter, otherwise even my worn out ones will keep the hatch up in summer. I'll be curious to see how they do for you as well because it is very annoying to have the hatch come down and hit you in the head in -20 weather while loading groceries into the back of the 4runner.

Fink

Sorry, I forgot all about this thread.

I have been in contact with Frank Irvine from StrutWise and he will be sending me out a pair of new (remanufactured) struts within the next few weeks...not as urgent anymore as it only gets to about 45-50* at night now but I still need new ones.

I will post up as soon as I get them and try them out.

Fink

MTL_4runner

Definately let us know Fink because I'd like to get a remanufactured set too.

CBDenver

Yeah, the winter makes me notice how crappy mine are, even though its not usually as cold in Denver as other parts of the US or Canada! I should know this week after I get them and put them on since we will prob. still have some cold weather for another month or two.

CB

Fink

Well finally got my struts in.

He gave me a special deal that I do not want to post up for his privacy. Either way it was a good deal and I am really happy with them. I will say, they are STRONG. Before one tug on the strap would close the door now it takes a bit more. It opens up fast and I can even have my window left down while the door is open, before it wouldn't even hold.

Very great guy to work with, communication is top notch, extremely nice fellow.

The contact information is listed in the first post.

Hope he works out well for the rest of you,

Fink

aowRS

My struts are shot, so I've contacted Frank to see if he still offers this service. I am not paying $170 each (wholesale) for these things...


Andreas