mikeceli

For my first Lexus, just bought a 2006 RX330 (and love it).

I want to install lift supports on the Power Rear Door. My search on CL has some older posts, indicating that some brands FIT, but have too much, or too little gas pressure. This causes improper opening. I'd like to AVOID ordering, installing then removing and returning (You know the drill) units that do not work properly.

Anyone who has installed these recently able to recommend a Brand (and perhaps part number) that worked correctly? Thank you, Mike Celi

MattRX

I have Stabillus on my Highlander and RX350’s hatch. They’re nice and strong but have a linear and smooth operation, US-made too. I tried Strongarm on the Highlander and was not pleased with how forcefully it shot open near the end of its stroke, as well as not lifting the hatch as high as it should.

mikeceli

Thanks Matt. Looking on Rockauto, the Stabillus listed do not include the brackets. Id prefer to not have to grind off the old brackets. Did your come w/ brackets? If so, Might you be able to provide a part number? Assuming the RX350 and RX330 use the same lift supports.

lccgl479

I replaced the lift gate struts on my 2005 RX 330 with the struts pictured. Although they come with brackets on them, they easily pop off, and they were a direct fit. A 5-10 minute job by myself. It is easier if you have 2 people, 1 to hold the hatch up and 1 to replace them. I propped mine open and did one side at a time. According to the description they will fit your 06. You can also verify the fit on the Amazon website.

MattRX

You can pop off the factory brackets if your car is made in Canada, if it’s made in Japan they carefully need to be cut around to save. Tuff Support and Lift Support depot are good choices too.

The brackets can be purchased separately from Toyota or Lexus, but are pretty expensive. If you live near a junkyard it would be worth it to grab some spares. They’re very nicely made vs. aftermarket.

mikeceli

Iccgl479 Those worked for you, is the gas pressure about the correct amount?

MattRX My RX330 was built in Japan and lacks "clips" for easy removal from the bracket. I have grinders , if I need to do the extra work.

THANK YOU BOTH! Mike Celi.

MattRX

Here's a post of how I got them off and where to cut. After doing my RX and Highlander, me and the others found it easiest to cut a "V" shape to expose the pressed-in ring to release the bracket. It wasn't too hard but it was pretty time-consuming as I took my time to not damage the brackets. https://www.toyotanation.com/threads...#post-14587617

lccgl479

Yes, they work very well. I also replaced the strut for the hood with the same brand. I believe they work as well as the factory installed struts. My RX 330 was built in Canada.

mikeceli

I ordered the $46 set from Amazon. I will advise how they work out. Thanks !!

mikeceli

I installed the Amazon struts that "iccgl479 " recommended. They fit perfectly and unlike some struts I have purchased for OTHER vehicles, these struts work perfect! Just the right amount of gas assist. Aids lifting the hatch, manually, without springing it up too hard.

THANKS AGAIN!

Chapp

TUFF SUPPORT 612194 Info
Liftgate Lift; w/ Power Liftgate; w/ Brackets
TUFF SUPPORT Warranty Information
2 Years / 60,000 Miles (Non-Transferable)
2005 LEXUS RX330 3.3L V6 Body & Lamp Assembly : Lift Support

I got these from rock auto last year. WOrk great.

mikeceli

Thank you, Chapp.

WHLex4

Hi all -- my daughter just got a 2006 RX400h with a JTJ vin -- I assume made in Japan. I know the hatch has issues rising and I believe it's the struts. Must you cut the strut to remove or is there access to the bracket so the bracket can be unbolted and the entire unit replaced with a strut that has the bracket - like the one shown in post #4 above? Thanks

mikeceli

I was HAPPY to pay a few bucks more to avoid cutting off and reusing brackets! And I have all the tools to do it with. See my post above and decide.

WHLex4

Thanks for your quick reply -- does that mean that you can just remove the bracket from the car and use the struts with brackets on a Japanese Rx (without cutting anything)? Sorry, the answer wasn't clear to me!