I FINALLY got the struts installed. I took them to a friend in a nearby town and he had the correct tools (I was using an adjustable wrench). Now I don't have to worry about the trunk locking my keys in or giving me a concussion, I'm so happy about that! Not to mention the new struts throw the trunk up when I pull the latch, I'll be sad to see it go once they're broken in. :/ But bottom line is, having the new struts installed is almost as if I'm driving another car. I can only imagine what I would feel when I start modifying...

This thread has provided me and my friend with lots of invaluable info, thanks!

 

The struts have adjustable ball ends that screw in and out of the cylinder for different lengths.

Live and learn. Don't unscrew the ends. It allows the ball to flex and they each popped out after a week. Screwed them in and they're fine.

 

Okay, i have stripped out one of the nuts... what do i do know!! ugh this is so aggravating!

 

Bringing this thread back up. Looking for some struts for a 1997 sc300 w/ spoiler. I'm seeing a lot that say they're for a 92-96, but do they fit a 97 as well? thanks

 

same question^^^

 

bringing it up for ^^^

 

awesome thread! i will be doing this very soon. sick of having to worry about that stupid trunk crashing down on me

 

You guys you know ebay has them for the 97+ with spoiler right? Just type in "trunk shocks for Lexus SC300" and they are right there. I just bought mine less than a month ago. Let me know if you have a hard time finding them.

 

I saw the ebay ones, what brand are they? I personally like Stabilus since they're OEMs, but only can find them for the 1996 and under.

 

I checked Autozone and they also have them in stock. I believe they are $10 and some change. The one by me had the one for spoiler in stock. Forgot the brand, but it is a great alternative to having them ship to you

 

The brand is called Strongarm (4508) which to me seem to work very well. Just one trunk shock from them can hold the entire trunk open by itself.....so two of them is even that much more amazing.

 

Once again CL pulls thru witha timely thread. i ordered my struts today. SSSOOO no more head cracks from the trunk lid.
UPDATE : Installed the struts today . The trunk now pops open when I hit the open switch on the inside !!! Thanks Club Lexus ...

 

You can also cut the ball off of the old strut ball joint. Then you can fit a socket right over the top. This saves a ton of time and wrench abuse. The first one took me 2 hrs. The second took 10 minutes! Getting the old ball joint off is 80% of the battle. The nut on the backside is welded to the support. I found that I could not budge the nut with an open ended wrench.

 

anyone know if we can incorporate this trick into our trunk?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySOq_6Y7ciE

 

Anyone have an issue with the tuff support brand bought off ebay. I have spent nearly 3 hours and a few trunk lids to the back trying to get these to fit, but no matter what they just see a few cm's too long. Am I losing my mind or should they just pop right in, I feel like if I push my trunk any higher its gonna break lol