Parts for your 1990 Toyota Hilux surf-Gas struts

1990 Toyota Hilux Surf gas struts — what’s actually fitted

For the 1990 Toyota Hilux Surf (LN130/RN130/VZN130 series), factory gas struts aren’t a thing. Toyota’s own technical literature points that way: the Owner’s Manual for the 4Runner/Hilux Surf of this era details a bonnet supported by a mechanical prop rod, the Body/Electrical Repair Manual describes a power rear window that rolls down into a bottom-hinged tailgate, and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) lists tailgate cable stays and a hood support rod, but no gas-charged stays. Those sources collectively confirm there were no factory gas struts on this model.

• Bonnet: held open by a support rod (no bonnet gas struts from factory).
• Rear opening: a drop-down tailgate with an electric roll-down glass (supported by side cables/stays, not struts).
• Windows and doors: regulated by tracks, regulators and checks — again, no gas struts involved.

Why didn’t Toyota use gas struts here? The Surf’s second-generation body switched to a tailgate design that hinges at the bottom, so it relies on cable stays rather than lift-up hatches that need gas-charged support. A simple bonnet prop rod also suits off-road duty — it’s robust, cheap, and keeps working no matter the dust, mud and corrugations. With no top-hinged rear hatch or bonnet struts in the design brief, there was simply nothing that called for gas struts.

Owners sometimes add aftermarket bonnet gas strut kits to make lifting the bonnet easier. That’s a personal upgrade rather than a factory part. If someone’s Surf has had bonnet struts retrofitted, the wise move is to check bracket mounting points for cracks, ensure both sides lift evenly, and replace pairs together if the bonnet starts dropping in cold weather. But for a stock 1990 Hilux Surf, “gas struts” aren’t a service item because they weren’t fitted in the first place.

Popular questions

Do 1990 Hilux Surf models come with gas struts from factory?
No. Factory documentation shows a bonnet prop rod and a bottom-hinged tailgate with cable stays and a power rear window. There are no factory gas-charged struts on this model.

Can bonnet gas struts be added to a 1990 Hilux Surf?
Yes, aftermarket kits exist. Pick a kit designed for the LN130/RN130/VZN130 body, use quality hardware, and fit both sides so the bonnet lifts evenly. After fitting, keep an eye on mounting brackets and the bonnet edge for stress, and replace the pair if lift support weakens.

What actually supports the tailgate and how should it be maintained?
The Surf’s tailgate is supported by side cables/stays and hinges, while the glass uses a power regulator. Inspect cables for fraying, replace stretched or rusted stays, grease the hinges, and keep the rear window tracks clean and lightly lubricated so the glass moves smoothly.