Tailgate assist HELP!

So this past month my tailgates easy up and down feature was beginning to fail. I called the dealer and they told me to order new hinges. Wrong move. Any how, this morning I lowered the tailgate and something made a strange noise. I looked down and there was a puddle of hydronic fluid under my back left bumper. Come to find out, there is a little piston under the tail light kinda in the fender. Has anyone had to replace this part??? Looks like a real pain. Also OEM is $120! I found another on Amazon for $60 not sooo bad. Also considering a tailgate assist piston that installs from the bed to the gate. Has anyone installed one of these and what type? Please any insight is appreciated.

 

First of hearing about this issue...Welcome from NC! Someone should chime in shortly that has knowledge of your issue. @Roman is the parts master here and can assist with your part....

 

Is the Amazon piston a Chinese knock off or OEM? Check with @Roman

 

I've sold several of these, so it's not unheard of. I've never installed one before, so I can't help you out there.

https://parts.toyotaofcoolsprings.com/oem-parts/toyota-support-cylinder-661400c030