Parts for your 1999 Toyota Rav4-Gas struts

1999 Toyota RAV4 Gas Struts — What’s Fitted and What Isn’t

For the 1999 Toyota RAV4, factory gas struts aren’t part of the original setup. Technical references back this up: the Toyota RAV4 Repair Manual for this generation (1996–2000, often cited as RM434U/RM435E) specifies a bonnet support rod rather than gas struts, and the body section details a side-hinged rear door using a door check assembly, not lift supports. The Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for SXA10/11/15 models also lists a bonnet prop rod and rear door check components, with no gas-stay part numbers. Independent guides such as the Haynes RAV4 manual for 1996–2000 echo the same arrangement — prop rod up front, side-opening tail door out back.

Why no gas struts? The rear opening on this RAV4 is a side-hinged door carrying the spare tyre, so it uses hinges and a detent/stop rather than overhead lift mechanisms. Gas struts are designed for top-hinged liftgates and bonnets without a prop rod. Toyota kept it simple and robust for this model: a reliable prop rod for the bonnet and a sturdy check strap for the rear door, which suits the load of the spare and the off-road leaning of the platform.

Owners sometimes ask about retrofitting gas struts. Bonnet strut kits do exist in the aftermarket and can be a handy convenience upgrade. If considering that route, choose a kit engineered for the SXA-series mounting points, with proper brackets and corrosion-resistant hardware. Watch bonnet alignment, clearance to the scuttle and wipers, and don’t exceed the bonnet’s designed loads. As for the rear, retrofitting gas struts to a side-hinged door isn’t typical and can over-stress hinges or mounts, it’s generally not recommended unless using a purpose-designed engineering kit that accounts for door weight (including the spare) and hinge geometry.

• Reasons this model doesn’t use gas struts:
  • Side-hinged rear door with spare wheel — no overhead liftgate to support
  • Factory bonnet uses a simple, durable prop rod
  • OEM parts catalogues and manuals list no gas-stay components for 1999 models
• Thinking about an aftermarket bonnet kit? Look for:
  • Vehicle-specific brackets and ball studs
  • Stainless or coated struts for NZ/AU coastal conditions
  • Correct force rating so the bonnet closes smoothly without slam

Technical sources referenced: Toyota RAV4 Repair Manual (1996–2000, RM434U/RM435E), Toyota EPC (SXA10/11/15), Haynes Toyota RAV4 1996–2000.

FAQs

Do 1999 Toyota RAV4s have factory gas struts on the bonnet or rear door?
No. The factory setup uses a bonnet prop rod and a side-hinged rear door with a door check. Toyota’s repair manual and EPC for this generation don’t list gas stays for either end.

Can gas struts be fitted to a 1999 RAV4?
Bonnet gas strut kits can be fitted using vehicle-specific brackets and the right force rating. The rear door is a different story — it’s side-hinged with a spare tyre, so gas struts aren’t standard and retrofits can place extra load on hinges unless a properly engineered kit is used.

How can someone tell if a previous owner has added gas struts?
Look for small gas cylinders attached to ball-stud brackets near the bonnet hinges or guards. If fitted, check for smooth action, no oil seepage, and that the bonnet stays up in cool and warm weather. Any binding, weak lift, or oily shafts means it’s time for replacement.