How do they come off?? Just pull with a crow bar? I hate to break something.

 

Definitely DON'Tgo at it with a crowbar. It's got a threaded ball joint on both ends, if you try to pry it off you'll probably warp/tear the mounting points. Be sure to put some kind of prop rod to prevent the hood from crashing down on you when you remove the hood struts. Search function is your friend, see post #10 on this thread:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...ml#post6142967

 

I wasnt suggesting crow bar on the stud. Some cars have pop on and pop off ends so that prying them makes sense. The new ones seem to be like this with a spring clip. I cant see the old ones having this.

 

If they're the originals unscrew the ball joints from the hood and buy new struts with ball joints. I didn't know that when I did mine and had to use a grinder to cut the ***** out of the struts after removing them.

 

They are original (16 years old) so have lasted well.

 

It is an easy job. May buy a set on Amazon or other places for around $30. Check reviews. (Have replaced OEMs with low priced brands showing good reviews by others who have used them, and have had good results.)
You will see in the video that you will remove the original by unscrewing the part if there is no tension clip. The replacement lift set will have replacement parts you will install onto which will then snap the new lifts....

 

Looks easy enough but as bbtri said, I will have to cut out the ball joints to reuse them. But I have several ways to do that easy so it wont be a problem. I got the struts for $10 a pair on line but no *****.

 

You should not have to cut them out. The replacements should have new parts for you....

 

no, the replacements dont have the ball joints. I will have to grind out the old ones to be used over as 430 SL Owner did.

 

Not every aftermarket brand supplies them, but you can buy them in pairs at local stores like Autozone etc.
Might set you back an additional 5 bucks...

Edit: https://www.autozone.com/sandpaper-a...pport-hardware

 

I’ve used Strong Arm for hood and trunk. The fronts failed after 5 years and Strong Arm sent me replacements for a small shipping charge. Hardware was included. Easy install.

 

Those bastards! Sorry for your trouble. (Luckily have always had them included in the package.)
If you don't want to grind you may be able to get them for maybe a $1 or so each at a parts store....

 

the struts, pair, only cost $10.08 delivered so if i pay another $4 for the joints, its still cheap. I am retired so time to grind them out is free, just gets me out of honey doos

 

Just replace the hood struts on wife's 2004 and used this option from Amazon, great price, with replacement threaded ball joints.
I too had to search how to remove as I assumed there would be a clip. Original Lexus need to remove the treated ball joint from hood and inner fenders. Used a 14mm open ended wrench and removed them carefully while propping up the hood, so be careful. Also put a dab of blue lock tight as per the factory installed units.

Been only a week, but pretty smooth operation and while not as silky as OEM which are pricey, these for $21 for a pair delivered (Prime customer) with high rating and reviews it was a no brainier, IMO.

 

Last year, after 16 years in-service, I replaced my original hood struts with Strongarm 6236 ($39 CAD after shipping to Canada). They come with everything you need to do a complete replacement without using a crowbar or grinder. Simple screw out, screw in, pop on, done.

One of the four metal washers they sent me was several millimetres thicker than the rest, assume it was a defect in their parts-picking department. I still used it, on the lower passenger side where the extra washer width would have least impact. They are strong arms indeed and can easily hold the hood up.