From toyodiy.com

I assume cold spec are the ones ending in xxx20. So the numbers on your link are good.

 

deleted.

 

Installed the rebuilt TOYOTA OEM (KYB) struts from Frank Irvine at Strutwise. They work extremely well across a wide range of temperature. When I installed them it was warm fall weather (15 degrees C), hatch opened smoothly, slowed nicely near the top and opened completely. Lately its been cold, some nights below zero C, hatch works pretty much the same. Couldn't be happier. His service costs roughly what a pair of crappy aftermarkets cost, so this should be a no brainer for anyone looking for good cold and hot weather hatch behaviour. I finally have a hatch that works as if it just came out of the factory.

Grommets were almost trashed so eventually I'll have to get replacements, possibly from Frank, he mentioned he could build some for me.

 

How does one get ahold of Frank Irvine at Strutwise? Is he or Strutwise a known vendor?
Mine are toast and need to be replaced, as well as the grommets.

I did a search and found the info on Strutwise . Thanks and let us hear about your rebuilds.

 

You can send him email by visiting his website:

www.strutwise.com

 

I just received a call from Frank Irvine at Strutwise. He was kind enough to explain the difference between the OEM's ( KYB) and the replacement brands like Strong Arm, Monroe or Stablius. For one thing the shaft on the replacement one is 10mm. The OEM is 12.5, internal seals on the OEM's are also different, and much better. It might be why the cold weather here in Mi. needs the proper lift. If cold weather is not an issue for you it might not matter. Because I have not tried anything other than the OEM's. I can't say the replacement struts are not going to work.

He also told me to just unbolt the whole thing, brackets and all and ship it. The same as ours have said, claim no value. He said he would try to update the rubber bushing as well.

So you have to ask yourself . How much longer are you going to keep this truck? Would the cold weather have any issue with the lift. Is $47 ea. a better deal than $45 for the pair? I guess it would depend on how long your going to keep the 4 Runner, or your level of value.
I have on order the Strong Arm struts. I just might send them back .

I see from my later search that this type of thread has been around. Nothing to see here folks ,just keep moving.

 

We had some -22 F weather in the last couple weeks. Strutwise OEM rebuilds had no problem opening the hatch all the way up on their own. Very happy with them.

 

I'm happy with mine as well. It was -7 here today and the struts went all the way up and stayed there. Last year before the fix it would have fallen on my head.
Thanks Frank great job.

 

when i replaced mine, i wasn't going to the the stealer price. i took them to a custom shock/strut place in town, them made exact copies with double seals. no more leaks for me.
if i remember right they charged me 80 for the pair

 

I live in South Florida, so cold weather is no issue. I want to replace my struts for the rear hatch because i am tall and it is pain in the ass when it stops 3/4ths of the way up- less that that if the glass is down. It's a 2002 so if they last 5 years that's fine.

Monroes 901446 on Amazon for less then $40/pair with free shipping. They get mixed reviews, mostly because of cold weather, but for the price I will try them.

I have not taken my lifts out yet, but what is the bushing you all are talking about? Is there a replacement? There has to be another option besides spending $170 on on OEM door struts to get a plastic bushing.

 

I would say living in FL. to buy the low money Monroe.
The rubber type bushing/ grommet fits in the hole at the top and bottom of the strut. The pin/bolt goes through it. Mine are dried out after 16 yrs. Mine did not return with new ones after the rebuild.
With that said, it almost takes two hands to pull down and close the liftgate now.