Rear Hatch struts (shocks) upgrade

So in preperation for some upgrades coming soon like a ladder and stuff, I went ahead and upgraded the shocks on the rear hatch.

Gobi is over charging people $100 for these. The nerve right? lol

Well I did some research and found these at liftsupportsdepot.com and they were $42 shipped instead of $145 at Gobi plus shipping. They were SKU 6156
Strong Arm 6156 Gas Charged Liftgate Lift Support

https://www.liftsupportsdepot.com/s...rolet-gmc-liftgate-lift-support-strut-49124w/


Next, measuring the down force to test them out and see how much stronger they are.

 

So here are pictures of my tests with my fishing scale attached to the pull handle. You can see that the stock ones took 16 pounds of pull before the door started coming down. Then with the new ones installed it took 24 pounds of pull before the hatch started coming down.

And I can't tell a difference actually pulling it closed by hand but it appears it's a 50% increase in hold open force.

 

Nice find. In another thread somewhere a guy found some shorter struts so that his hatch did not hit the top of his garage. Nice idea but I'm too cheap. I just use a length of paracord and a D-ring between the right rear tight down ring and the pull handle on the hatch. That way I can limit it when I need to but allow it to fully open when I don't.

 

My vehicle doesnt go in the garage so I want it to open fully for easy access to everything

 

How are these holding up?... Pun not intended, but it works.

 

They held up fine but in the end I traded the 4runner in for another dodge ram diesel. SO I am no longer in the 4runner world.

 

How long did you have them?

 

I replaced the hatch struts in my 3rd gen with the Strong Arms and was very happy with them, that was about 4 yrs. ago.

 

Any leads on where to get shorter lift supports? My rear cargo hatch also touches the top of my garage.

 

found this

 

just confirming the model 6156 worked? the website only mentions that this fits a Yukon, Escalade or Suburban... just want to make sure before I order them. TY!!

 

After replacing speakers with OEM+ setup (adds about 8 lbs for big magnets) and installing full sheets of sound insulation in tailgate I got Liftsupportdepot.com HD struts to open additional weight. So far they work great and plenty powerful, the only thing I wish these had slow down future at the end of opening to keep thing from stress stops.

 

Did you end up ordering the 6156? If so, we’re the right fit? I need to order some after installing a Westscott Designs ladder.

 

If you use the Search by Make function you can find the appropriate strut. SKU: 6550-W is what I will be ordering.

 

@808Yoda I have the Wescott Designs ladder also. LOVE it but that thing is heavy. Which sku did you order 6156 or 6550-W?

Many thanks!

 

I'd go with the 6156. The Gobi ladder is pretty light, and my 6550-W struts dont spring the lift gate open - even when it's warm out. I don't have to help it open, but it's not fast. The 6156 struts have 28 more pounds of force.

 

I did some searching a while back and used part#PM4004-W. It is heavier duty and has been working great so far with no issues. Make sure to support the hatch when replacing struts and remove the TOP connectors first. If you remove the bottom, it’s under tension and can break your taillight when disconnected.

https://www.liftsupportsdepot.com/22-56-lift-supports-depot-pm4004-lift-support-pm4004-w/