Reddit mentions: The best automotive lift supports

Enjoy it! I love mine. Perfect little daily driver with enough pep to keep me entertained when I want to. The recaros are amazing.

Couple hints: If you want better seat placement in the car and a more comfortable ride, get this gas pedal spacer. It's not that big, super easy to install, and makes driving it so much more comfortable since your foot doesn't have to travel as far from the brake to the gas. You wouldn't think 9.5mm is a lot, but it works very well. It also makes heel-toe shifting possible/way easier.

Also the mountune short shifter makes the shifter feel like it should out of the factory. Also pretty easy install but you should take out your battery and CPU for easier access and you can also install these shifter bracket bushings at the same time which remove almost all of the rubbery gross play in the shifter. Both of these give a hugely improved feel to the car.

Whether you do or don't do these, you will still have a great car that is fantastic to chuck around. Have fun with it!

I put a cargo net between the two hooks in the cargo area to keep grocery bags from sliding all over the place.

This guy put a net on the ceiling to store blankets and stuff - I haven't done this, but I want to sometime

I got one of these from harbor freight and put it in the back - it fits perfectly between the backseat and the hatch. Into that I put a tire inflator and jumper cables from harbor freight, and a first aid kit from Amazon

I also did a mod that keeps the rear 12v socket on when the car is off so I can inflate the rear tires without turning the car on

I haven't installed one, but the U-haul trailer hitch for the element bolts straight in, so I want to get one of those sometime

Another thing I'm planning on doing soon is replacing the hatch struts with these because my hatch won't lift itself all the way up

I also replaced all my lights except headlights with LEDs - I can link all those here later if you want - I'd definitely recommend doing the map lights, you can get a huge brightness boost on those if you want. The rest of the lights aren't much brighter than the incandescents, but they use a lot less power and you can get colored or cool white lights if you're into that

Edit: I remembered some more stuff I did

I added these floor mats from Walmart - it's like $15 for a set of two. They keep dirt and gravel from getting everywhere and help keep my feet from sliding around

Another harbor freight addition is this clamp that I use to hold down the door switch if I want to keep the radio on with the doors open. This disables the beeping and is a lot easier than finding a plastic screw or wiring in a relay and button. It also fits perfectly in the drivers door pocket

i use these. they make it harder to close the trunk but not so much so. i like em so far https://www.amazon.com/Automatic-Supports-Struts-Stainless-Upgraded/dp/B07V6PZQ5S/ref=pd_sbs_263_t_1/134-1917254-2020959?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07V6PZQ5S&pd_rd_r=5cfe8547-e19d-49f0-a694-f4d0e8059e10&pd_rd_w=dAx3Y&pd_rd_wg=bggxO&pf_rd_p=5cfcfe89-300f-47d2-b1ad-a4e27203a02a&pf_rd_r=3GY3YJ80SGS4P2S8KWFW&psc=1&refRID=3GY3YJ80SGS4P2S8KWFW

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i use the 1tesla frunk mods - a ctually may have bought something similar on amazon and like that as well. I find it aligns the hood better with the bumper

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these mods make owning the new passive key fob awesome

My fav mods have been the ones that make life a little easier. And relatively cheap

Swap your interior lights with LEDs -
Fyre Flys 9 Piece White LED... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KRNFQF6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Add gas hood struts
Redline Tuning 21-27010-02 Hood... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T68UKBQ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Cup holder inserts
Custom Fit Cup, Door Center... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K8SQ4JQ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

There’s a great list of “affordable” mods on Tacoma world. Check those out.

If you’re looking for something to make it more unique, plastidip or remove the badges (I pulled off everything but the “Tacoma” on the doors). Look for unique grill replacements, there are TONS. Some vinyl decals or the like will give you a nice pop too.

Just browse tacomaworld if you want to be inspired.

I don't think there is such a thing as a dual directional spring. What I did was to use two of them, mounted so that they oppose each other.

These are the ones I used. They're a bit overpowered at 80N, but it doesn't matter too much if they are opposing each other. If you can find a 50-60N option, that would probably be ideal.

For additional reference, you can check out my project update posts in my Imgur page here

Good luck, and don't forget to post pictures here so we can see how it turns out!

Cheers

This is very delayed, I apologize. There is indeed a set that works very very well. Link down below, they are very strong. Do not let a small child hold onto the door and dont have your face near it, they raise the rear door extremely fast and hard, maybe a little bit to much tbh. Sadly the price has gone up but I strongly recommend them. Its one of those parts you push off and push off yet allow the door to keep hitting and annoying you and see the cost of these and go f it, I'll deal with it. But trust me, when you bite the bullet and just do it, you'll ask yourself why tf you didnt do it before lol.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I5X0AZY/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_WaYWzb17GKM30

Pretty sure it would cost the same $5 to ship it to you from california.
Drop shackles are not what I was talking about.
This is a relocation bracket
There are different (and better) ones on the market but they will add a little lift and allow you to get the shackle at a correct 45 angle. Since xjs go over the axle and do not get much curve the angle really helps allow the leaf to move without transmitting the energy to the body.
Nothing wrong with a bastard pack, just a lot of work. If the lift you have now was not a full pack leaf, the ride will be very similar.

I can confirm
I bought these Sachs SG225002 Lift Support https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000WO4JPQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_PrqUCb3A7ZQKP
They fit perfectly on my 07 EX, and add a bit of extra height (what I wanted so I can walk under it) but I have to be careful not to get hit in the face as it opens VERY strongly

Here’s a link to the one I purchased. It was an alternate since the one Brian initially suggested was out of stock. I felt weird buying it coz it was for a Jeep but it worked perfect.

Beneges 2PCs Hood Lift Supports Compatible with 2005-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2005-2010 Jeep Commander Front Hood Gas Spring Struts Shocks Dampers SG414046, SG404028, 6304 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075FW3XSC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_QjCTDb1ESD9PN

Qty (2) StrongArm 4325 1998 To 2010 Rear Hatchback Lift Supports Struts W/O Spoiler https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007RVQYI2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_0RiUCbDKH81JV

Fit my 03 EX perfectly.

>https://www.amazon.com/Pneumatic-Support-Automatic-AY-Customs/dp/B07RXRY5HZ

This looks like a way more reasonable implementation. I wonder if there are any better ones out there for similar price? The reviews on that mention it being way too strong

Got these on Amazon. Super easy install.

I have experience installing exactly 1 pair of struts on a hatch.

From what I remember, I stood on a scale and then weighed myself holding the door up. I found a pair of struts to hold this weight, plus maybe 10 extra pounds. I came pretty close to a perfect match for lift weight. (i had a fairly heavy wooden hatch) I did find that when it got close to freezing outside, the hatch wouldn't stay up.

Mounting was a huge pain in the @ss. It was alot of trial and error on my part. There is math/geometry to measure and almost perfectly align them. I can't remember what resources I used now, but it's definitely not rocket science. You can do it if you brainstorm for awhile.

Here are links to the hardware I used. Just cheap generic-ish auto struts and mounting hardware.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Y3H1AQE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004713BR2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BRF38Q/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

photo of heavy @ss wooden hatch on my former heavy teardrop which I sold https://photos.app.goo.gl/q7uk3x6TkcQ4pZT82

Prop rod support clamps are your best friend. (hit up a few parts stores and you'll find one sub $10 eventually.

Check on Amazon for a support clamp. I've attached a link to something that may help... Lisle 44870 Gold Lift Support Clamp https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SRCYM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_XqBwDbWHM3HAR

I bought these for my '92 and they work perfectly.

Monroe 901114 Max-Lift Gas Charged Lift Support https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000COO9LK/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_s7BHwb33YE7MD

I kept vice grips next to the spare tire for years until I eventually replaced the struts. One day after replacing them I opened the trunk without thinking and it popped up so fast it smacked me in the jaw.

These work really great and have lasted if you ever feel inclined. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001QFDVCC/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_fQUTAb97CGBRT

I’ll go do that.
Seems like something like this would solve a lot of problems and probably be better for the long run.
Club Car Precedent 3" RHOX Spindle Lift Kit 2004-Up Golf Cart https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UZ8AGJW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_m-GTCb62V2DKX
That price is very doable for me, and I won’t an issue doing it myself

I used these on my 04 and they worked great. I don't know if you can cross-reference the two numbers to verify fitment.

I highly recommend these liftgate struts. $17.99 on Amazon. No complaints after a year and a half. Congratulations on joining the club!

window gas struts Ive read Strongarm is a good replacement that will last.

seal for the bottom of glass

Im not sure what heated and non heated means for the replacement glass but do a google search and it comes up with stores and ebay vendors with the glass for $270-$300. Look for coupon codes too to save some cash.

The tailgate keeps the window locked when they are shut.

Does the hardtop you bought have the air vents running down the side behind the side windows? If so good. If not, it is from a 03+ and you will have to look up how to make a vent because the pressure inside wont let the doors close. Those years had the vent in the tailgate i believe.

It’s not a Honda part, this is what I bought. Install was quick and easy, and raises the clearance a few inches so you don’t hit your head.

Nice build, you should consider using these or something similar rather than poles for that awning above the kitchen.

This is what I swapped mine for if you're interested. They are $55 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XPPYGQ7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_NiXODbDQC35W3

You do not need to have electric power lifter for the frunk to open automatically. Just two stronger coils:
https://www.amazon.com/Pneumatic-Support-Automatic-AY-Customs/dp/B07RXRY5HZ

these ones

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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075FW3XSC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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they were linked in that youtube videos description as well.

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This is what I got https://smile.amazon.com/Ford-Fiesta-Pedal-Lift-Spacer/dp/B0116HT0MY/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1517656394&sr=8-4&keywords=no+pistons+spacer

https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-44870-Gold-Support-Clamp/dp/B0002SRCYM/ref=asc_df_B0002SRCYM/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312049103272&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13892432015374041681&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9023412&hvtargid=aud-801381245258:pla-491398995019&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=62837065100&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=312049103272&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13892432015374041681&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9023412&hvtargid=aud-801381245258:pla-491398995019