I need to replace my trunk struts, and I'd love to get a set that pops the trunk open - maybe halfway-ish. Does anyone have experience with a particular brand of aftermarket struts that accomplish this? I'd like to avoid buying OEM if possible.

Thanks!

 

Based on the hinge design (no arms), I don't think there are struts that are designed to exert enough force to open the trunk. I prefer this design as it saves space.

I like Stabilus/Sachs struts as they are OEM to BMW, etc. But I went with Monroe because I was in a hurry and didn't really research. With the hood, Stabilus does not provide the ball joints, and they do not separate from the OE Tokicos. Again, I went Monroe. But since Monroe had the ball joints, maybe years from now I'll go Stabilus for the hood.

Back to the trunk, at < $17 ea. with a 1 yr. warranty, hard to go wrong. I believe Monroes have no warranty (that might say something).....

http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo....432014&jsn=363

 

Thanks for the info. Do the Monroe's make the trunk a relatively easy lift? My struts are so bad now that my kids/wife struggle with the darn thing.

 

Actually I have to say no, the trunk is not easy to lift, but I think it's the design. My BMW is pretty much the same with new struts. Maybe there is a 90 day warranty? I didn't have any trouble yet, note the ball studs are on the car. When I opened up my package I sent an email they were missing, and the tech support was ready to send me new ones lol I figured it out in time and told them don't send replacments...

edit p.s. it took my wife a while to figure out how to let the trunk down easily without slamming, since it has the actuator to close it...

$14.65 each....

http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=4491027&cc=1432014&jsn=361

 

I replaced my trunk supports 2 1/2 years ago on my 04 LS430. There had been glowing reports on this forum for Strong Arm supports, which I decided to buy. There were two version available, the regular at $25 and another with "added lifting support" at $35. I chose the added support ones. That was a mistake. Although it made to lifting easy, it made the closing difficult. Too much effort is required to pull the trunk lid down before it starts to close on it's own. To this day, it is still uncomfortable for me to close the lid. If you want long life, this might be the supports for you.

As I am writing this, I am asking myself why I haven't gotten rid of these dam things and get a more usable support!

 

I got a kick out of how the opening was much easier, and then the closing much more difficult...is this some sort of physics going on or something?

Time to make things asymmetrical....

 

I got mine from FIGS Engineering 8 or 9 years ago. Excellent product and excellent company to deal with. They have many quality Lexus parts.

They also have all of the strut and support bushings that wear out on Lexus LS 430's.

Loren

 

Bought set of strong arms for trunk. Been great for years. No issues.

 

I replaced the struts on the trunk about 4 years ago and last year did the hood struts both times going with the Strong Arm models.

The trunk on the LS430 is difficult to lift with new struts but hold the trunk up when open; caution when closing as it will "slam". Really heavy......

Just not a great design and the newer vehicles (like our 460) with the automated open/close trunk is a nice feature....

 

Like lorenr i also have replaced mine with FIGS Engineering trunk struts. But mine are only about 6 months old. They work well, and keep the trunk open which the old ones didn't. Closing is the same as the old ones however.

The trunk hinge isn't really designed to lift it when you un-lock the trunk unfortunately.

 

I don't know what the perceived shortcomings are, of the OE, other than price? I replaced mine when the car was 11 y.o. Trunks were fine, hoods were weak.

Not sure what's accomplished by spending more than $15 or $16 each. I've used Stabilus in my BMW (they are the OEM), and my wife's car, and they seem to be of very good quality. Not made in Germany, however, believe they are made in USA. The only thing with the LS430, is if you get Stabilus, apparently they do not come with the ball studs whatever they're called. That won't work the first replacement as they cannot be separated from the OE Tokicos. But Monroes do come with them. my .02