When you make purchases through links on this site, The Track Ahead may earn an affiliate commission. Also, these posts are based off my own experiences. I am not responsible for any action you take as a result of reading this. Learn More
Hood Struts Going South
On my last post, my hood had closed shut and ended up breaking off the clip that allows you to open the hood. I replaced that clip so I can now open and close my hood again, however the initial problem was that my hood struts were on its last legs. I don’t believe the struts have ever been replaced for the lift of my car, a 2003 Toyota 4Runner. In fact, the tailgate struts needed replacement as well, which I’ve documented in this post.
The hood would open but would require me to lift the hood up manually up to the very top position. At that position, it would have a hard time staying up on its own. After replacing the hood struts, the hood requires lifting still but at the midpoint will move up on its own. It will then stay up very securely on its own.
Aftermarket Hood Struts
With parts such as this, 3rd party products work really well and are so much cheaper than their OEM counterparts. I looked on eBay noticed there are quite a few options, but I had an excellent experience with this seller. I can’t seem to find the hood struts I used online, but I suspect most of these aftermarket parts are similar in quality.
Search for aftermarket struts on Ebay
How to Replace Hood Struts on a 4th Generation Toyota 4Runner
Unopened set of new hood struts
New hood struts with hardware
Using a 2×4 to support the hood while the struts are replaced
Loosen bolt on the car side of the strut
Loosen other bolt on hood side of strut
Old worn hood strut on left, brand new hood strut on right
New strut being installed the same way it came off
New hood struts are installed!
