Parts for your 2012 Toyota Hilux-Gas struts

Are gas-struts used on the 2012 Toyota Hilux?

Short answer: not from factory. According to Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for the AN10/20/30 series (covering models such as KUN26R and GGN25/26), there are no gas springs listed for the bonnet or tailgate on a 2012 Hilux. The 2012 Hilux Owner’s Manual shows a bonnet support rod, and the Body/Mechanical service information for “Hood” and “Tailgate” specifies a prop rod and steel support cables respectively, rather than gas-struts.

Why didn’t Toyota fit gas-struts as standard? It comes down to durability and simplicity. The Hilux is built for rough-and-tumble use, and a simple prop rod and cable arrangement is tougher in dusty, muddy, high-vibration environments. Gas-struts can lose charge over time, especially with frequent temperature swings or contamination, which then leaves a heavy panel dropping unexpectedly. A rod and cables are cheap, robust, and easy to service in the bush. There’s also packaging and cost: brackets and reinforced mounting points for struts add complexity where the bonnet and tailgate weights don’t strictly need assistance.

That said, plenty of owners add gas-struts as accessories. Common add-ons include bonnet strut kits for hands-free lifting, soft-open tailgate dampers (note: a damper isn’t the same as a true gas-strut), and gas-struts on hard lids, canopies and toolboxes. If retrofitting, choose vehicle-specific brackets, rust-resistant hardware, and the right force rating for the panel weight. After installation, always check clearances around the bonnet hinges, washer hoses and wiring, and re-torque mounting hardware after the first few weeks of use.

• Factory setup: bonnet on a prop rod, tailgate supported by cables, no gas-struts.
• Accessories: bonnet strut kits, soft-open tailgate dampers, canopy/hard-lid gas-struts are common and practical.
• Servicing retrofits: wipe the shaft clean, don’t grease it, replace pairs together, and retire any unit that’s weeping oil or struggling to hold the panel up.

FAQs

Does a 2012 Hilux have bonnet gas-struts from factory?
No. Technical references like the Toyota EPC and the Owner’s Manual show a simple support rod for the bonnet on 2012 models. If the bonnet on a particular ute has gas-struts, they’ve almost certainly been added as an accessory.

Can gas-struts be added to the bonnet or tailgate?
Yes. Vehicle-specific bonnet strut kits make lifting and holding the bonnet easier. Tailgates typically use a “soft-open” damper rather than a true strut, it slows the drop but doesn’t hold the tailgate up. Use quality brackets, correct force ratings, and follow torque specs to avoid hinge or panel damage.

What gas-struts suit a canopy or hard lid on a 2012 Hilux?
It depends on the accessory’s weight and hinge geometry. Rear canopy windows commonly use two medium-force struts, while hard lids often need higher-force units. Match length (centre-to-centre), end fittings, and Newton rating to the accessory maker’s spec, and replace in pairs so lift and hold are even.