Parts for your 2002 Nissan Navara-Gas struts

2002 Nissan Navara gas struts: factory fitment and options

Based on technical references including the Nissan Navara D22 Factory Service Manual (2002, Body—Hood section) and the Nissan FAST electronic parts catalogue for D22 models, the 2002 Navara (D22) did not leave the factory with gas struts on the bonnet or tailgate. The bonnet is supported by a simple prop rod, and the tailgate is cable-and-hinge supported. Gas struts only show up on dealer accessories like canopies, hard lids, and some aftermarket bonnet or tailgate-assist kits, so the part isn’t standard equipment on a stock 2002 Navara.

Why wasn’t it fitted from new? Early-2000s utes were designed for simplicity, ruggedness, and low running costs. A prop rod is cheap, reliable, and doesn’t lose pressure over time the way a gas strut can. Likewise, a conventional tailgate hinge with cables is durable and uncomplicated for life on worksites and rough tracks.

That said, plenty of owners choose to retrofit gas struts for convenience—especially on canopies and hard lids. If the vehicle has accessory or aftermarket struts, a quick health check during regular servicing is a smart move:

• Look for slow or hesitant lifting, needing a hand to start moving, or dropping in cooler weather—signs the charge is fading.
• Inspect the rod for oil weeping, rust, or pitting, any damage will chew out seals and shorten life.
• Listen for creaks at ball joints and check brackets for looseness or cracking.
• Replace in pairs so lift is even, match the new struts’ extended length and Newton (N) rating stamped on the body, and follow the kit maker’s torque specs.

Thinking about adding gas struts to a 2002 Navara? There are bolt-on bonnet kits and tailgate-assist kits made for the D22, plus universal canopy/hard-lid struts. Choose reputable hardware, avoid drilling if a no-drill kit exists, and always support the bonnet or lid securely during installation. A quick check every 10,000–15,000 km (or at each service) keeps things safe and tidy. Dispose of old struts properly—don’t heat or puncture them.

Technical sources referenced: Nissan Navara D22 Factory Service Manual (2002, Body—Hood: support rod design and procedure) and Nissan FAST EPC for D22 (bonnet and tailgate parts listings show no gas strut components as OE). Dealer accessory canopy/hard-lid assemblies may include their own gas struts.

Did the 2002 Nissan Navara come with gas struts from factory?

No. The D22 Factory Service Manual specifies a bonnet support rod, and the D22 parts catalogue lists no bonnet or tailgate gas struts as original equipment. Any struts on a 2002 Navara are typically part of an accessory canopy, hard lid, or an aftermarket retrofit kit.

Can gas struts be added to the bonnet or tailgate on a 2002 Navara?

Yes. There are D22-specific bonnet strut kits and tailgate-assist kits, plus universal struts for canopies or hard lids. Pick kits that match the vehicle, support the panel during install, and follow the supplied torque and safety guidance.

How do you know when accessory canopy or bonnet struts need replacing?

Tell-tales include slow lift, needing a push to start, dropping in cold weather, or oil mist on the rod. If one side fails, replace both to keep lift even. Match length and force rating printed on the old strut or per the kit maker’s spec.