I have a 99 4runner SR5, and have always found the rear door lifts to be too weak - I have help the door go all the way up when I open it. Has anyone replaced those hydraulic lifts with stronger ones?

 

I know Toyota doesn't carry anything else. I will tell you that those little boogers are expensive though. If it is any conselation, mine does the same thing and everyone I have dealt with does the same.

Todd

 

I have a 96 and mine goes up fine. The only time mine gives me problems is when the rear window is down, because of the change in the center of gravity. i'm sure you could find some stronger pistons somewhere. Good luck!

 

You don't happen to have the window down when you notice it's weak do you? the weight of the window in the bottom of the door will make it tough. but it should work fine with the winder rolled up.

 

I have no problems with my rear door hydraulics, sometimes I have to hold it because it will just go up real fast on its own. When the rear window is down, thats when it really gets weak on the hydraulics. I never open the rear door with window down, I'm just afraid that the door is going to fall on its own one day when its up and shatter the window.

 

That's why I never do that either, scares the buhjeeziss out of me, especially since I've seen the price of that glass when it got replaced after an accident. I would rather get more wheeling mods than buy a new winder.

 

It's slower with the window down, but even with the window up, the door needs a little help to fully open. At least I'm not the only one! Thanks y'all!

 

Colder weather will also affect the window struts but that usually would be near freezing.

 

Mine are starting to be dangerous cause you put the door up and
slowly it comes down on your head from behind.

 

How about going to Lowe's and getting some copper tubing insulating foam tubes and that would probably fix the cold weather problem.

 

For those of you with an air tank, why dont you replace the hydraulics with pnuematic cylinders. Then you could raise it with the flick of a switch...

 

Now that would be an awesome idea, but how to disengage the lock on the back?

Todd

 

Mine are in need of changing... I've noticed lately (with the window up) that I have to push on it a bit to raise completely. I was in Pep Boys the other day and saw that they have the accuators (sp?) for my 3rd Gen, just none in stock. I think they were $22 something a piece. Not too bad.

 

Hmmm, how about a door popper solenoid? Then the air tank would raise the door...

Now who will be 1st with that idea eh???

 

mine goes up fine..and when someone other than me is closing it, they have trouble bringing it down. i guess i'm just lucky....and if you guys rig that switch to the rear door, that'd be awesome..SOME MONSTER GARAGE STUFF going on here!

 

seems like it's a long time problem for us all, I wonder if anybody found a good replacement other than the OEM

 

http://www.car-stuff.com/mmparts/toy...unk_strut.html

These look like they will work, i plan on getting some when i get the $$$