fmalgapo

Hi All,

Does anyone happen to know the part numbers for the standard trunk lift shocks? Are they supposed to enable the trunk to spring open when you press the trunk release button like modern cars do?

Also did the UL have power liftgate - wondering if anyone has looked into retrofitting this over?

Johnhav430

The trunk won't spring open.....it has a hinged design which I like because it saves space. Seems like the newer cars have gone away from such design due to cost of struts, and maybe to have a power pull down (can still be done with struts).

The OE part is 64530-50031, but of course you don't need to spend that much, aftermarket will do. I got monroes for about $11 each, and would not recommend. The Monroe hoods were not as strong in < 1 yr. Will go Sachs next time (whopping $10 and you see these on new 760i BMWs). On my other cars I have used Stabilus/Sachs and they are a joke how good I think they are. They make our hoods but I don't know if they have the trunk.

edit My BMW, same hinged design, and yes the struts will lift the trunk all the way open, when it reaches a point. Forgot which I used, Lesjofors I think. OEM is always a FRACTION of OE in these applications, like $15 v. $100!

fmalgapo

So maybe mine is just weird...It will hold the trunk open but I've seen other LS430s when you press the trunk release, it pop ups a good 0.5" from flush then you pull it the rest of the way with ease...on mine it will barely pop but will release from the latch then at 5 deg will be hard to pull open but then hold when fully open. I'm guess its aftermarket.

2KHarrier

Sounds like the way my 2005 works. Could be they are just starting to fail. I replaced the struts on my 2001 after I bought it 3 years ago and they pop up that 0.5 inch you mentioned.
Before replacing them it wouldn't budge after releasing the trunk lock. And lots of weight to lift with dead struts...

BCT

I replaced mine but feel the trunk is still heavy to lift. I am fine with it, but was hoping it will be lighter to help my wife. It feels like it is heavier than my Land Cruiser rear hatch (which I am pretty sure weight a lot more). I thought about getting a strut with more lifting weight, but then it may cause too much resistant to close.

jayclapp

The test to determine if the lifts are deficient is to lower the trunk lid and measure the height of the bottom of the trunk lid when it will then fall on its own accord. The lifts should support the lid until it is about 12-15 inches from the fully closed. If it doesn't fit this test, then replace the lifts.

Mbodall

Also, remember that we have power latches that enable a "soft close" of the trunk. I much prefer lowering the trunk slowly by hand until it's about 1.5-2" from the latch and gently pushing it down another 1/2" or so until I feel the power mechanism yank it down and latch it. I always cringe a little bit when someone is helping me unload things from my trunk and they SLAM it shut out of habit from shutting other trunks that don't have the power closer.

Brian05LS

I just did this test today....failed miserably. Looks like I'll have to change mine as well.😐