Parts for your 2001 Nissan Navara-Gas struts

2001 Nissan Navara gas struts — what’s actually fitted?

For the 2001 Nissan Navara (D22), gas struts aren’t factory-fitted to the bonnet or tailgate. This is confirmed by Nissan’s D22 service information and electronic parts catalogues of the era, which show a simple bonnet prop rod (bonnet stay) and cable-supported tailgate rather than gas-assisted struts. Gas struts may be present only if an accessory canopy or hardtop with lift-up glass has been added, those canopy windows commonly use small gas struts supplied by the canopy manufacturer, not Nissan.

Why didn’t Nissan fit them from new? The D22 was engineered as a rugged, no-fuss ute, and a prop rod plus cable tailgate setup is tough, cheap to service, and less vulnerable to dust, mud, and corrosion common in Aussie and Kiwi conditions. It also keeps parts counts and costs down for fleets and tradies who value simplicity over convenience.

• Reliability: Prop rods and tailgate cables cope well with off‑road grit and farm use.
• Cost and serviceability: Fewer wear items, no gas charge to fade or seals to leak.
• Design choice: Tailgates are supported by cables, the bonnet is light enough to manage with a stay.
• Aftermarket flexibility: Owners can add bonnet struts or tailgate assist kits if they want easier lifting.

If a canopy is fitted, its rear door and side windows typically use gas struts. Those are sized by the canopy maker (e.g., length and Newton rating) and will eventually lose pressure. Replacements should match length, end fittings, and force rating, and it’s smart to replace them in pairs so the glass lifts evenly. Wipe the shaft clean, don’t lubricate it with anything sticky, and avoid forcing the window closed if it resists — that’s a sign the strut is over‑pressured or binding.

Aftermarket bonnet strut kits for the D22 are also available. Most use bolt‑on brackets, some require minor drilling. Choose stainless or coated hardware, and recheck fasteners after a week of use. If a tailgate assist kit (gas strut or damper) is added, confirm it clears tray liners and doesn’t foul the hinge cables.

Popular questions about 2001 Nissan Navara gas struts

Can gas struts be added to the 2001 Navara bonnet?
Yes. Aftermarket bonnet strut kits exist for the D22 and make one-hand opening easier. Quality kits use vehicle-specific brackets and retain full bonnet opening height. Installation is usually a basic DIY with hand tools, follow torque specs and check bonnet alignment and earthing points afterward.

Does the 2001 Navara tailgate use gas struts?
Not from factory. It uses hinge cables to support the gate when open. Owners sometimes add a tailgate assist kit (gas strut or hydraulic damper) to slow the drop and reduce effort. Make sure the kit is D22-compatible and doesn’t interfere with canopies, liners, or tie-downs.

What gas struts do I need for my Navara canopy?
Match the canopy brand/model, extended/compressed length, end fittings (ball/socket or eye), and force rating in Newtons. If labels are gone, measure the old strut centre-to-centre and note fittings. Replace in pairs and support the glass securely during the swap.