Got the Strongarm supports today, and just installed. Incredibly simple. My process was to put the roof up, throw an adjustable broomstick to help hold the tailgate up, put my shoulder under the tailgate, just in case, and then gave a firm pull on the strut as low as I could go, and the bottom popped right off. Of course, top was even easier. Pushed the Strongarm right back on the fittings. This is really a two minute job, except for the fact that on one side, the strut did not easily pull off of the fitting, so I pulled off the retainer. That process was simply to fold a paper towel and slide it under the fitting so the retainer would not fall down into the lift mechanism. Then I slid my magnet down there and a screwdriver and it came off easily and of course then the strut popped right off.
Couple of other point.s.....the Strongarm shaft is a shade smaller than the OEM. However, works just fine. I've also seen people commenting on whether the new struts open the tailgate or hold it or what. Here's my observations based on lift gate height:.
At 0"-12", the tailgate will close.
At 12" - 24" the tailgate will stay in position.
Above 24"', the struts open the tailgate to the full open position.
Couple of pictures............. $23. https://www.ebay.com/itm/12493790207...992a%7Ciid%3A1 Just showing slight shaft size difference. Strongarm (right) vs OEM .... Had to pull off the retainer clip since this one was a bit snug. Retainer clip comes out easily, but use caution not to drop it.
No better pictures to show than what's already been posted, but just replaced my lifts this evening in about 20 mins. It would have gone faster but I took my time to make sure I didn't lose the bottom clips (used an extendable magnetic tool to ensure so). Propped up the trunk lid with two adjustable hiking poles which worked like a charm. Old arms popped right off, new arms popped right on - easy peasy. Trunk doesn't seem to open much more than before when it's popped open (which was maybe 1/4" or so) but I can sure tell the lifts work when I start raising the lid. And it takes more force to close, so much so I can barely use the inner handle to get it closed and my hand out fast enough (before it was quite easy). Good with the bad!
I bought the factory arms from a AZ Lexus dealer for a decent deal, wasn't sure about the other brands mentioned. I figured the old factory ones had lasted this long since I bought the SC back on 03/31/18, not sure if they were the original 2002 arms or not. But hopefully these last at least eight years as well, or until I sell this and upgrade to 2006+ Smokey Granite Mica SC or possibly an LC500.
No better pictures to show than what's already been posted, but just replaced my lifts this evening in about 20 mins. It would have gone faster but I took my time to make sure I didn't lose the bottom clips (used an extendable magnetic tool to ensure so). Propped up the trunk lid with two adjustable hiking poles which worked like a charm. Old arms popped right off, new arms popped right on - easy peasy. Trunk doesn't seem to open much more than before when it's popped open (which was maybe 1/4" or so) but I can sure tell the lifts work when I start raising the lid. And it takes more force to close, so much so I can barely use the inner handle to get it closed and my hand out fast enough (before it was quite easy). Good with the bad!
I bought the factory arms from a AZ Lexus dealer for a decent deal, wasn't sure about the other brands mentioned. I figured the old factory ones had lasted this long since I bought the SC back on 03/31/18, not sure if they were the original 2002 arms or not. But hopefully these last at least eight years as well, or until I sell this and upgrade to 2006+ Smokey Granite Mica SC or possibly an LC500.
When popping our trunk it lifts about the same 1/4” or so — just enough to get your fingers in to lift up. Lifts okay but it wants to slam shut at a certain point so we always lower it to about 5” and let go.
Did you get the OEM lifts from Bell? When it comes time I will wait for their sales to purchase ours.
For those of you that want OEM here’s the info:
OEM parts are available at Treasure Coast Lexus (FL) Bell Lexus (AZ) or Prestige Lexus (NJ) with Free Shipping and No Sales Tax for out-of-state customers.
If you can wait for next sales that are usually around holidays and seasonal events, you can save even more than their already marked down prices or call to ask when next sales are.
* NOTE: If DIY — Make sure you have a 2x4, something secure, or someone to hold trunk up while replacing.
