Hilux Tailgate Strut Upgrade: making the tailgate not fall down anymore

A slight annoyance ever since I bought this truck was that the tailgate was kinda hard to operate; meaning you would have to carry it's full weight to not let it crash down violently. This simple strut makes the day-to-day usability now much more pleasant.
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[@andreyansimov5442]

Thank you for installation clarification. I have little bit updated kit from the same producer. With no manual included :[ As it was made for dealerships to install. My kit includes nece washers, conical ones, to install lower bracket. And I could not unscrew big screw holding origial metal strap near light... philips 3 bit started to get plastic deformations... I applied WD-40, it didnt help, so I tried to screw and unscrew movements, and after second philips bit deformed, screw head itself started to deform... I left it as is and thing works. But damper itself works not good, is starts to slow dow in the very end of movement. BTW, I worked for other producer of gas sruts kits 2016-2021.

[@whr_vlogs]

Thanks for your comment. Unfortunately, approximately one year ago the metal that is screwed to the tailgate bent from all the usage making the strut slide out. It's just way too thin. I'm very disappointed of the quality for this expensive price, so I got some cheap 20€ kit for the other side to support it.

[@andreyansimov5442]

@@whr_vlogs Im sure kit must be for two sides, so steel will not deform. I know that the same producer dont do for two sides. So I need to find from others.

[@9up9up9up]

I have a very similar kit and I gave up installing it because the seller said I need to either cut the plastic bit or remove it like you did, I think the plastic bit it's there for a reason to avoid that metal strap to grind against the tub. Also like you said, I don't want to replace the metal strap with a wire because I think it will compromise its rigidity.

[@whr_vlogs]

So far, nothing grinds against the tub, however, this stupid strut metal piece bent one year later. I bent it back two times now, it's just not strong enough. Maybe shop around for something more rigid than this flimsy little piece.

[@leonardoruiz2006]

Hi, could you name the set of tools that you used to screw/unscrew?

[@whr_vlogs]

I just used a regular wrench with the correct socket for the taillight and a torx for the tailgate screws. Not sure about the sizes though, you'll have to try.

[@yubinj.gonzalez2988]

Hi,can you name the brand and model number for hilux truck.

[@whr_vlogs]

It's called "RIVAL" Tailgate Assist Kit or something. But maybe try looking for another brand. Now, one year later the metal plate is bent from all the opening, so it's not really up to the task of carrying the tailgate weight from my experience. The strut is fine though.

[@rosesolon9243]

How much is this and also do you have only the single strut on one side

[@whr_vlogs]

The kit I used cost 124€ (a bit expensive, but oh well). Yes, you only have the one strut but it easily does the job, there's no need for a second one in my opinion. In fact, I think if you had a second one it would make it just harder to close.

[@rosesolon9243]

How did you loosen the torque screws ? I am up to that stage because I have a small socket 1/4 but too small to untighten. will a 1/2 socket do the trick

[@andreastttttt]

Whats the newton on that strut

[@whr_vlogs]

I didn't find the figure for mine exactly but after some research I'd say any strut with 130 to 180 should be fine

[@andreastttttt]

@@whr_vlogs thx for the reply

[@emipargut]

can you put where you bought it?

[@whr_vlogs]

I bought it from a German shop called "Offroad Manufaktur Hamburg". offroad-manufaktur.shop/marken/rival/daempfer/heckklappendaempfer/14982/heckklappendaempfer-fuer-toyota-hilux-revo-all

[@darylhaack7752]

What year is your truck? You commented that the device seem to bend after a year?

[@whr_vlogs]

My truck is from 2017 and yes, this plate bent after one year. So maybe try looking for a different product.