Best bonnet struts for 79 Series LandCruisers reviewed
If you have spent any time under the bonnet of a 79 Series, you know the drill. Fish around for the prop rod, slot it into the bracket, try not to scratch the paint, and then do it all again in reverse just to close it. Toyota fitted a basic stay rod to the 70 Series as standard equipment, and it does the job just well enough to be annoying. A bonnet strut upgrade fixes all of that. Two gas-charged struts take the weight the moment you lift, hold the bonnet at full height without any fiddling, and let you lower it with one hand. If you are doing regular maintenance or serious work in the engine bay, it is one of the most practical upgrades you can make.
Why the Factory Prop Rod Is a Problem
The prop rod on a 79 Series is not dangerous by design, but it creates real risks in practice. If the rod slips its groove while you are leaning over the engine, the bonnet comes down. On a heavy steel bonnet like the one fitted to the 79, that is a serious hazard. Beyond safety, the prop rod requires two hands to operate, scratches the bonnet underside over time from repeated contact, and is fiddly in low-light conditions or when your hands are already dirty from a job. It is also entirely possible to forget to remove the rod before closing, which bends the stay bracket.
Gas struts eliminate every one of those issues. The bonnet lifts and locks at full height automatically. There is no prop to seat, no bracket to miss, and no risk of the lid dropping. For touring builds where you are checking fluids, fitting accessories, or doing roadside maintenance, the time saving and peace of mind add up quickly.
What Comes in a Bonnet Strut Kit
Quality kits from reputable Australian suppliers include everything needed for a complete installation. You should not need to source any additional hardware separately. A standard two-strut kit typically includes 2x gas-charged bonnet struts (left and right), 2x upper mounting brackets (bonnet side), 2x lower mounting brackets (guard side), ball studs and ball joint sockets for each end, replacement bonnet bolts or fasteners as required, all nuts, bolts, and washers, and fitting instructions.
Better kits use gas struts rated for high cycle counts, with some Australian-made options tested to 50,000 operations and salt-spray tested for corrosion resistance. This matters if your 79 is used in coastal environments or sees regular off-road exposure to dust and mud.
How to Fit Bonnet Struts on a 79 Series
Every kit comes with its own instructions and you should follow those specific to your purchase. The general process for a bolt-in kit is as follows:
- Identify left and right brackets before starting. Most kits are side-specific. Check markings or test-fit dry before committing to installation.
- Remove the factory prop rod and store it in case you ever need to refit it for resale or warranty work.
- Fit the upper (bonnet-side) bracket using the existing bonnet hinge bolts. Do not fully tighten until both sides are aligned.
- Fit the lower (guard-side) bracket to the existing mounting points on the inner guard or bonnet slam panel.
- Attach the struts: push the upper ball socket onto the upper ball stud, then have a second person hold the bonnet as high as possible while you clip the lower end of the strut onto the lower ball stud.
- Check clearances before closing the bonnet. Look for any wiring loom or hoses that sit close to the strut travel path. Reroute as needed with cable ties. Some builds with aftermarket air intakes or underbonnet accessories may need minor repositioning.
- Torque all fasteners to spec and cycle the bonnet several times to confirm smooth operation.
Most owners complete the job in under 30 minutes. You do not need a vehicle lift or workshop environment; a flat driveway and basic hand tools are all that is required.
Things to Check Before Fitting
A few quick checks before you start will save you pulling things apart twice. If your 79 has a snorkel, aftermarket air intake, or any modification that runs along the inner guard near the bonnet hinge area, confirm the struts will clear those components before ordering. If you have an underbonnet light, battery management system, or additional wiring added after factory build, check that the strut travel path is clear. When ordering online, always confirm fitment with the supplier using your vehicle's build date rather than just the model year.
Find the Right Kit for Your 79
What to Look for in a Bonnet Strut Kit
Not all kits are equal. The best kits for the 79 Series use gas struts rated for high operation cycles and tested for corrosion resistance, which matters given the conditions these vehicles are regularly exposed to on the road and off it. Look for kits that include all mounting hardware, are side-specific (left and right struts matched to their brackets), and come with clear fitting instructions. A warranty of at least two years is a good indicator of build quality.
Prices for a complete two-strut kit with all hardware sit between approximately $80 and $130 AUD. At 70 Series Store we stock bonnet strut kits specifically suited to the 79 Series, so you can order knowing the fitment is correct for your vehicle without having to cross-reference part numbers yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do bonnet struts fit all 79 Series LandCruisers?
Yes. Quality kits are available to suit the VDJ79 from 2007 through to the current model. When ordering, confirm your vehicle's build date with the supplier so they can match you to the correct kit for your specific variant.
Can I fit bonnet struts myself without a workshop?
Yes. Bolt-in kits require no drilling and only basic hand tools. Most owners complete the installation in 20 to 30 minutes on a flat driveway. Always check the product listing confirms "no drilling required" if you want a straightforward DIY install at home.
Will bonnet struts fit if I have a snorkel or aftermarket air intake?
Usually yes, but you should check clearances before fitting. Some snorkels or cold-air intake setups that run along the inner guard may sit close to the strut's travel path. A quick visual check with the strut held in position before final fitment will confirm whether any minor rerouting of components is needed.
Can I keep the factory prop rod as a backup?
Yes, and it is a good idea to do so. Remove it from the vehicle but store it with your spares. If you ever need to return the vehicle to stock condition, or if a strut were to fail in a remote area, having the prop rod available means you are never stuck with a bonnet that will not stay up.
How long do gas struts last on a 79 Series?
Quality Australian-made struts rated to 50,000 operation cycles will outlast most vehicles in normal use. Gas struts can lose pressure over time in extreme heat or with very frequent use, but for a typical touring or work vehicle a quality kit should last many years without issue. Brands that offer a 2-year warranty give you added confidence in the product.
Do I need to remove the bonnet to fit the struts?
No. The bonnet stays on the vehicle during installation. The upper bracket mounts to the underside of the bonnet using the existing hinge bolts, and the lower bracket mounts to the inner guard. The strut clips between the two brackets with the bonnet raised. Having a second person to hold the bonnet fully open makes fitting the lower end of the strut easier.
Shop Bonnet Struts for Your 79 Series
