After two other attempts at gas lift hood struts, I have succeeded! For a total outlay of about $32 (including the two failed attempts!)

Most gas struts have about 50 lbs of force, WAY too much for the 'little-girlie' hood of the '8......I found some more delicate ones at my local surplus joint, with around 20 lbs of push.

They mount to a bracket from the hinges, and anchor to the body at the panel bolt by the shock tower. The brackets and mounts are a little over-built, but better that way than flimsy.

More importantly, they are 100% BOLT ON! The stock struts, and all the aftermarket kits I've seen, need new holes, rivets, threaded inserts etc.

The cheesey hood prop is GONE!

S

 

Very cool, any chance in writing a DIY??

 

DIY Please !!! and the name of struts themselves and supplier. The stock struts are $$$$.

John

 

i 3rd that...

 

Beautiful Job, Yes please give us the Details...

 

Excellent, I was waiting to see you perfect it with baited breath and the willingness to run out to the local parts place. I saw your last attempt and thought this is one that when it is done I want to do. THANKS!

 

The hinge end is cast aluminum, cut to extend forward over the rubber seal between engine compartment and wipers. Bolt holes to match the hinge bolts. The stock bolts are huge, over an inch long, lots of room for added metal.
You could probably do a lot better job of matching color too, it is the only red I had, and is ALMOST, but not QUITE, exactly the wrong shade.....

S

 

There is only one good mounting bolt on the fender, it IS a little far forward, but works. The bracket has the 'L' offset, so that the bolt will bring the forces right back in line with the bolt....no twist.

S

 

The struts are probably going to be the hardest parts to find.......

The Symbol on them looks like a christian cross in a circle, don't know what company that is. Writing is the usual 'warning:high pressure, do not bite' stuff....Logo says either "STABILUS" or "STABIL U.S." (very small) Colmar Pa. USA.
#'s on strut - 9L28630 C239/94
Hope someone can find more info from that, I bought the last two locally, so no need to even ask me!

S

 

Bought them locally where? Auto parts store? Home Depot? Please elaborate.

And, can you provide non-mounted pics of the brackets you fabbed up?

Actually, this is just begging for a DIY thread...

 

Bought at a local chain of army surplus places - Princess Auto.

Maybe someone can contact the maker for a retail store?

S

 

StealthTL

Please tell us the part # - I love Princess Auto - visit every time I get up to Canada.

John

 

What I mean is Princess Autos #

John

 

Sorry, neither of them had a stock code on them, they where just in a clearance bin at the back, with just a price.

I WILL definitely look to see if they are on the shelf, next visit.

S

 

whats the approx length of the shocks? My fathers Explorer came with them - they look about the right size and are as cheap and easy to find as dirt.


can you get some more detailed shots on the mounting hardware you created?

 

Just posted a more complete write-up, in the TECH/D.I.Y. section (didn't know we had one!)

S