Parts for your 2000 Nissan Navara-Gas struts

2000 Nissan Navara gas struts — what’s fitted and what isn’t

Based on factory documentation, the 2000 Nissan Navara (D22) did not leave the assembly line with gas struts on the bonnet or tailgate. The Nissan Navara D22 Service Manual (Body and Maintenance sections), the D22 Owner’s Manual, and the Nissan FAST D22 parts catalogue list a bonnet support rod and tailgate check straps/cables, with no factory gas-lift supports specified. Australasian workshop references for the D22 platform echo the same arrangement. Any gas struts owners might see on a canopy glass, hard lid, or an aftermarket bonnet/tailgate kit are add-ons, not original equipment.

Why weren’t gas struts used on the 2000 Navara? It comes down to simplicity and durability for a work-focused ute platform of that era. The bonnet is relatively light and well served by a prop rod, while the tailgate is supported by cables and hinges designed for repeated heavy use. Nissan kept the mechanism basic, robust, and cost-effective—ideal for fleets and tradies who value parts that are easy to service anywhere in Australia or New Zealand.

• Reliability: A solid prop rod and cable stays cope well with dust, mud and vibration.
• Cost and serviceability: Fewer wear components and no gas seals to fatigue.
• Use-case fit: Tailgates are built for load handling, not assisted lift, bonnets were designed to be light enough for manual support.

Plenty of owners do retrofit gas struts to the bonnet or a hard lid for convenience. If going that route, choose vehicle-specific brackets that avoid drilling into structural seams, match strut pressures to the panel weight, and stick with corrosion-resistant hardware. Keep an eye on seal weep, sluggish lift in cold weather, and uneven extension—signs the struts are due for replacement.

Popular questions about 2000 Nissan Navara gas struts

Did the 2000 Nissan Navara come with gas struts from factory?

No. Factory references for the D22 show a bonnet prop rod and tailgate cables, with no original gas-lift supports. If your Navara has gas struts, they’re likely part of a canopy, hard lid, or an aftermarket bonnet/tailgate kit.

Can I add bonnet gas struts to my 2000 Navara?

Yes. Choose a D22-specific kit with engineered brackets and appropriate force rating. Good kits let the bonnet open smoothly without stressing the hinge area. Fitment is straightforward, but it pays to follow the kit instructions and recheck fasteners after a few drives.

How long do aftermarket gas struts last on a Navara?

Quality struts can last several years, but lifespan varies with exposure to heat, dust, and load. If the bonnet or lid won’t stay up, falls quickly, or extends unevenly, the struts are due. Lightly wipe the shafts, avoid nicking them, and replace in pairs to keep the lift balanced.