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Parts for your 2020 Toyota Land cruiser-Gas struts
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2020 Toyota Land Cruiser Gas Struts — What They Do and When to Replace
Gas struts are definitely relevant to the 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser (200 Series). Toyota’s workshop literature for the 200 Series includes procedures for the “back door damper stay” on the upper tailgate, and Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalogue lists the back door stay assemblies (RH/LH) for this model year. That confirms the vehicle uses gas-charged struts to lift and hold the upper tailgate. Most AU/NZ 200 Series trims use a prop rod for the bonnet from factory, so bonnet gas struts are generally not OE in these markets, though many owners retrofit them.
On the Land Cruiser, the gas struts on the upper tailgate do the heavy lifting: they counterbalance the door’s weight, smooth the opening and closing, and hold it safely at full height. Properly working struts make the tailgate feel light, behave predictably, and stay put in wind or on a lean. They’re sealed, nitrogen-charged units, so there’s no routine “re-gassing”, once they fade, they’re replaced.
As part of servicing, it’s smart to check tailgate operation. Look for slow lift, sagging in cold weather, having to help it up by hand, or oily film on the rod. Replace in pairs to keep lift balanced and to avoid twisting the hinges.
- Common signs they’re due: needing two hands to raise, tailgate creeping down, uneven or jerky movement, visible oil weep, or a thud on closing.
- Care tips: keep the chrome rods clean and free of nicks, don’t grease the rods, and avoid slamming the tailgate.
- Support the tailgate safely before removing struts.
- Swap one side at a time, match length, end fittings, and force rating to the Land Cruiser’s spec.
- Click-on ball sockets should seat with a positive snap, replace worn clips or studs.
Good-quality, OE-equivalent struts restore the original lift and hold, making the back door safer and easier to use. If accessories add weight to the upper tailgate (racks, ladders, rear camera housings), consider uprated struts matched to the extra kilos to prevent premature wear and droop.
Do 2020 Land Cruisers have bonnet gas struts from factory?
For most Australian and New Zealand 200 Series trims, the bonnet uses a prop rod rather than gas struts. Bonnet struts are commonly fitted aftermarket, check local spec or the vehicle’s VIN build sheet if unsure.
How long do tailgate gas struts last on a 200 Series?
Usage and climate matter, but many owners see 5–10 years. If the tailgate won’t lift on its own, sags when it’s cold, or drifts down, it’s time to replace—ideally as a pair.
Can heavier accessories on the upper tailgate be used with stock struts?
Extra weight can overwhelm stock struts and cause droop or hinge stress. Choose uprated struts with the correct force for the added load, or remove the accessory when not needed.
