DIY Hood Struts - 2nd Gen

Lol you saw that did ya? Damn compressor keeps failing on me.

 

I'm about to order parts for this modification. I didn't see any reports back on what struts to get. 20" but how strong? Sounds like one 70 did the trick, but I'm going to run 2. Anyone have feedback on a pair of 60lbs struts?

 

X 2 !

 

Guess I'm old school (78) but I have no issue with the hood rod on my 2011 I'm still able to open the hood and stick the rod in, and I know it won't drift down.

 

I don't mind the hood rod at all, but sometimes it's in your way so I'd like to have both options. No one responded so I ordered these:

Huazu 10MM Gas Struts Mounting Bracket Ball Stud for Gas Shock Lift Supports,Steel Gas Lift Springs Ball Stud Shock Bracket for Spring Prop(Black)

$14 Huazu 10MM Gas Struts Mounting Bracket Ball Stud for Gas Shock Lift Supports,Steel Gas Lift Springs Ball Stud Shock Bracket for Spring Prop(Black)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CFVPKSTD
C16-08260 19.7 inch 60lb Per Gas Strut Shock Lift Support for RV Bed Truck Tonneau Cover TV Cabinet Floor Hatch Door Shed Window and Other Heavy Duty Box Lid, Set of 2 Vepagoo.

$25 Vepagoo C16-08260 Gas Struts 20" 60lb/267N Shock Spring Lift Support for RV Bed Heavy Lid Truck Cover Camper Trailer Door Mattress Storage Boat Hatch,Set of 2

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FJ1L223

I also ordered this for the tailgate:
A-Premium Rear Left Tailgate Assist Lift Supports Shock Struts Compatible with Select Toyota Models - Tacoma 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Cab Pickup

$19 A-Premium Rear Left Tailgate Assist Lift Supports Shock Struts Compatible with Toyota Models - Tacoma 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Pickup

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CV3YFW3Z

 

Just did the 60 lbs. struts and they work great. For the first time in forever my hood pops up enough to get to the latch easily and goes up nice and smooth. Closing doesn't have too much back pressure, just have to close it firmly. I ended up going with the strut and bracket bundle for $41.99.

C16-08260 19.7 inch 60lb Per Gas Strut Shock Lift Support, 10MM Gas Spring Lift Strut Bracket Ball Stud Black

$42 C16-08260 19.7" 60lb Per Gas Strut Shock Lift Support, 10MM Gas Spring Lift Strut Bracket Ball Stud Black

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09DSZ6XXY

I decided to go with rivnuts and stainless button head screws as I want to be able to remove it and the supplied screws look like they are cheap and will rust over time. Also, I had it all on hand so why not.

 

I just put 2 60lb when the 40lb ones weren't cutting it for me. Redline doesn't have a replacement (that I could find), so 2x60 it is for me

 

I heard that the tailgate cable interferes with this assist strut. People replace the stock cable with something thinner.
I am considering doing this mod as well.

 

Yep, I heard the same thing. I also read that you can use a bungee to pull out into the correct place. I'm sure I'll figure it out and report back here.

 

Nice touch with the rivnuts and stainless screws!

 

I agree with the stainless rivnut idea. @gstodd, what size rivnuts did you use?

 

Pretty sure they were 1/2" #10-24. Might have been 10-32, I've got lots of both and just grabbed whichever screws matched the rivnut box I used. Thinking about it they were slightly coarser so they had to be the 10-24s Really doesn't matter as long as they fit.

 

I removed the tailgate cable on the side where I mounted the strut.

 

I'm not sure if I trust the Strut to hold the weight like the cable.

 

Any updates on the Vepagoo struts? Are they still worth trying?

 

Mine have been working fine, but I've only opened the hood twice since putting them on.

 

Anyone have any feedback on using longer struts? Curious how long the ones in the spiker high lift kits are

 

Finally got around to this and glad I did. Used the 40lb 20" vegapoos set about 2" higher than stock hood prop and works great. Also a fan of rivnuts and the stainless button screws, already had some and they felt alot more secure than regular rivits. 1/4-20 or M6x1.0 were a good fit, just had to open up the holes on my bracket a tiny bit.