How To: Replacing Rear Hatch Lift Supports

So after many years of being outside in the sun and heat, as well as the frigid cold, like all others, my hatch lift supports started making some awful noises when i raised and lowered it, as well as not being as effective when it came to holding it up.

Parts:
QTY 2: 03-04* Hatch Lift Supports, by Strong-arm, P/N 6107HD
http://www.ebay.com/itm/370995391793

*05-09 are different supports, and can be found here
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Qty-2-Toyot...ft-Supports-/370990727524?hash=item5660c54164
P/N PM1030

Tools:
12mm open end wrench
12mm standard 3/8 drive socket


Step 1:
After raising the tailgate, loosen the top two bolts on one of the lift supports

Remove bolts completely

Step 2:
Remove the lower mount bolt, the new supports come with a new ball for the socket, so you can remove this as one unit.



Step 3:
With either help, or one of your arms, push up on the lift gate and pull the support out. Then do the opposite of removal, starting with the installation of the lower ball, then the new support bracket at the top, finish by snapping the socket onto the new ball.



Repeat the process on the other side, and no more annoying supports!