1995 4Runner 3.0 auto 4WD

I'm trying to determine the correct part number for the two tailgate stays that hold the tailgate when lowered. These flat metal hinges have what I assume are Teflon-type washers at the hinge points; these washers are worn out, and the stays rattle while the vehicle is in motion. I spent 30 minutes at my local Toyota dealer while he tried to hunt down the exact PN and then gave me a PN that turned out to be hydraulic lifts for a hatch that is not on my model.

The below link displays what I believe to be the correct part, but curiously when I input my exact VIN it doesn't return anything when searching for tailgate stays, only when I provide general info about the vehicle; 1995 4Runner 3.0 NAP.
https://www.toyotapartsdeal.com/oem/...tra2=&filter=()

Thanks

 

My parts search shows 1995 4Runner stay is>>> 68950-89102

Appears same right or left

Your number may be for pickup gate stay???

 

It says it's for a 1995 4Runner on that part page, but I will have to contact them because when I input that 68950-89102 PN it shows discontinued.

I'd be OK with aftermarket cable straps as long as they worked without issue and I could find the proper length.

I suppose I could also fashion some washers and rebuild the existing straps, but I'm not sure how I would do that at the hinge point of the strap as it appears to be riveted.

 

FWIW, the circled part (and it's mating part on the tailgate) is what is intended to prevent rattling. Before you try to replace the stays, you might want to make sure those clips are engaging.


On the part number for the strap, this might be it: https://parts.lakelandtoyota.com/p/T...577089103.html

 

I will check those, but the tailgate itself isn't loose and rattling; it's the stays themselves as the washers(?) are worn out, so the stays are allowed to move about just enough that they rattle. When I lift the gate to release the tension on the stays, I can move the stays back and forth, and the looseness produces the sound that I hear when the gate is closed and moving down the road. There's just enough play in the stays that they rattle when the gate is in the closed position.

It might be that part you've circled, and I will check that, but when the tailgate is closed, it's firm with no play so that part is probably working correctly. When the tailgate is closed there is no tension on the stays so they are allowed to move about freely, and that's what I believe it's causing the rattling that I hear.

 

Those spring cushions Scope1023 mentioned don't have anything to do with the closing of the tailgate, or how snug it is when closed. They are there solely to stop the stays from rattling when they are in the upright position(i.e. tailgate latched shut.)
The one in the image that Scope103 has circled is 100% intact. It's pretty common for one of those arms to break off, rendering it less effective.

 

Ah, okay, I haven't looked at it lately but that could very well be the problem!

I'll report back in a few.

 

They're awfully fragile. You should have four all together. Two on the body and two on the side of the tailgate. I've read the ones used in 84-86(?) were much more durable, but have been discontinued.