Bonnet Struts

[johnsie]

I've just bought an '09 dual cab, trayback Hilux and am slowly doing it up for a trip across Oz from Brisbane to Alice to Kalgoorlie to Perth later on this year. I've done a 50mm lift, installed dual batteries, snorkle, bullbar, Narva driving lights, 80 litre under tray water tank, roof console, Coopers AT tyres on standard rims and have yet to fit the long range fuel tank and winch.

One of things I didn't really like about it was how the bonnet is held open. Being a short guy it was difficult to put the bonnet rod up with the lift kit so I reviewed it on this forum and found out that most people were buying them from overseas. After many phone calls I discovered that no-one really wanted to help me to install bonnet struts, or that they have never done it before and didn't want to do it.

Well I finally found a person who not only wanted to help me, but was so helpful that I created a document on how to install the struts, including photos, and sent it to him. They work perfectly and cost me $165 plus postage of $15 from SA to Brisbane. He sent me photos, told me what to do via email and voice, and was really helpful with a lot of good advice. I ended up changing the design slightly but the overall design was Vic's.

If anyone is interested in purchasing and installing the bonnet struts, I would highly recommend Vic from SA. His web address is http://www.strutmaster.net or you can send him an email to vikk@bigpond.net.au. If anyone wants me to send them some piccies, let me know and I'll forward it to you.

[Steve9R]

Welcome to the site Johnsie,

We have a lot of members already on here with bonnet struts installed. They are readily available for the Hilux. (And if you're vertically like some of our members, you could always stand on your toolbox ... eh pete! )...

Please use the search button to find more information on bonnet struts.

If Vic would like to be a sponsor of the forum, please get him to email dave@4wdnetwork.com to arrange sponsorship and related benefits..

Cheers
Steve

[johnsie]

Hi Steve. I did do a search but obviously didn't look at the results properly dammit.

This is a great site and I've got some really good ideas from it to help me prepare for the trip. One of the best is standing on the toolbox!!

Cheers

Steve

[dute]

I know it's to late but . . . . . http://shop.ebay.com.au/?_from=R40&_trk ... Categories

Also your local carryboy retailer as thats where I got mine from. . .

PS: Steve cheap shots at people Mmmm way to go . . . . new mod and all. . . . good start . . .

[Steve9R]

PS: Steve cheap shots at people Mmmm way to go . . . . new mod and all. . . . good start . . .

all in fun Pete.. as i said.. not much will change !

Steve

[noodle]

Those that do have these struts already installed, have you found any strucural problems with them?
I am also curious if the struts are a hinder when trying to do anywork over the guards, for example, air filter change outs, dual battery setups etc.

I like the idea of bonnet struts, but I'm not sure if they make life easier to work in and around the engine bay or not.

Al

[Steve9R]

the only thing i remember noodle about them is that they were hindering people from trying to mount compressors etc close to the firewall as the struts have brackets that fold over the edge... if that makes sense.. maybe one of the guys with them could take a pic to explain..

Steve

[johnsie]

Al, there aren't any structural problems with them but if you want to remove the second battery then you need to remove the left hand strut. This is easily done by the removal of the small pin and literally only takes a few seconds. Naturally you would have to put the bonnet rod up first.

It doesn't interfere with the air filter at all.

Can someone explain to me how to post a picture?? A picture is worth a thousand words and I have several pictures of the installation which may assist.

Steve

[MADDOG]

johnsie, follow the link. viewtopic.php?f=3&t=4397

[jap]

I'm interested in doing this on the red rocket

[johnsie]

a photo of the small quick release pin for the bonnet struts. Makes it easy to take them off if work is required around them.

[noodle]

Thanks for that guys, I'm putting this high on my to do list, esp now that the pins release easily.
If I had to muck around for 1/2 just to get one off, then I wouldn't bother... but this looks good

Cheers for your feedback

Al