Gas strut length/force for Leer 100XR camper

Hi folks,
I'm new to the forum, and finding it an awesome source of know-how.
I'm here to share some info that is probably already here in someone else's post, but I just couldn't find. Maybe it'll help someone out.

I recently bought a (new to me) Leer 100XR for my (new to me) 2nd Gen Tacoma. The struts on the rear window were shot and needed replacing.

I wasn't sure of exactly the right length(s) and force, so ended up buying three different ones to try them out: 15", 16" and 17", all were 35 lb force and compressed length of about 9.5". I wanted the rear window as high as I could reasonably get it.

For reference, the rear bumper on my Tacoma measures 29.5" off the ground, and the top of the tailgate when closed is about 50.5" off the ground.

With the 15" struts, the edge of the glass when fully open was about 59" from the ground, so still smack-in-the-forehead level.

With the 16" struts, the edge of the glass when fully open was about 74.5" from the ground, and nothing was binding anywhere.

With the 17" struts, the edge of the glass when fully open was about 81" from the ground, but the struts were binding against the rubber seals around the window opening.

So, FWIW, 16" 35lb seems the right fit and the 35lb seems to be just about the right level of force to lift the window quickly but not slam it open.


For reference:

$16 BOXI 2pcs Universal Lift Supports Struts Shocks Gas Struts Shocks Springs Supports Extended Length 15.00"es, Compressed Length 9.34"es, Force 35 Lbs, 10mm Ball Socket | Replaces 6925

15" strut

$21 BOXI 2pcs Gas Charged Universal Lift Supports Struts Shocks Springs Dampers Extended Length 16"es, Compressed Length 10"es, 35 lbs Force, 10mm Ball Socket Ends 6921 SG459027

16" strut

$20 BOXI 2pcs Gas Charged Universal Lift Supports Struts Shocks Springs Dampers Extended Length 17.13"es, Compressed Length 10.43"es, 34 lbs Force, 10mm Ball Sockets 6906

17" strut


The rear window:


With the 15" struts:


16" struts


17" struts:


17" binding against the rubber seal:


Hope this helps someone out there.

James

 

I can look back and see what I bought. I picked up some off Amazon was diff then what you posted but its mainly length and lbs. they were not heavy by any means

 

This is what I bought. https://amzn.to/3wyxezu 8% off right now. I replaced both struts. 16" 45lbs

 

The struts that were on the truck should have the reference/part number printed on them. Those number represent the lenght and pounds of opening force.

 

What he said ^^^

 

Same Lear rear door. Bought these from Amazon 11/20. They are 16" and matched what was on it.

$27 Suspa Qty (2) Genuine C16-14195 C1614195 Lift Supports Struts Shocks Cylinders

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01G67QDZ6?ie=UTF8

 

Perfect. Thanks folks - yeah, looks like 16" extended is the way to go.
I had read a post form someone looking to have a slightly longer strut to give them headroom underneath the window - figured I'd share this since 17" seems too long.

 

My original Leer's felt weak after about 8 years. I replaced them with these exact same ones and they are working well.

Your testing and the photos are great!

 

I've got the exact same shell and ran into some issues I thought were the gas strut but it turns out the mount is loose - seems that the screws are no longer holding into the fiberglass.

Causing the strut mount to move when I close the lid and the shock to pop off.

Anyone else run into that issue?