Replacing tailgate struts

Thin bits of metal and bright blue light.

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Reimotim
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Replacing tailgate struts

Post by Reimotim »

Hi Guys,

I just completed this job and thought I'd submit a "How to".

This is a very simple job and only takes a matter of minutes to complete, so if you're fed up with a droopy tailgate then get online, buy yourself some replacement struts and get stuck in!

Step1: Support the tailgate so it doesn't crack you on the head when you remove the struts.
IMG_3809web.jpg

Step2: Carefully remove the circlip from the locating post. This should have a metal washer behind it. then there should be a rubber spacer/washer either side of the strut.
IMG_3810web.jpg

Step3: Remove the strut from the locating post and then tug firmly on the other end of the strut to separate the balljoint.
IMG_3812web.jpg

That's basically it! Fitting is the reverse of the removal process.
Watch your chin when you open the tailgate for the first time!
:ok
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Tysoe
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Re: Replacing tailgate struts

Post by Tysoe »

Nice one. Did this a few weeks ago, dead easy.

I got some struts form eBay and they were slightly stronger then the old ones. Tried it out after i did 1 side and it nearly took my face off! so left the old one on the other side :roll:

Roof struts next!
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Cruz
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Re: Replacing tailgate struts

Post by Cruz »

Have you a link to the struts?

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Reimotim
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Re: Replacing tailgate struts

Post by Reimotim »

Hey cruz,

Do you mean the seller of the struts?

They're GSf struts:

http://www.gsfcarparts.com/parts/body-e ... -gas-strut" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

£17.04

Seem to do the job, even with fiamma on the lid!
1990 LHD Hi-top JX 5Speed.
3:16 cx

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Re: Replacing tailgate struts

Post by ChrisTriple »

Did mine the other week £20 the pair from eBay. Easy job. Nice how too rhough
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Krugerbaydesign
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Re: Replacing tailgate struts

Post by Krugerbaydesign »

Got mine off Ebay, had same issue as Tysoe and ended up just replacing one as was lethal with 2 new ones on.
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Re: Replacing tailgate struts

Post by jocko »

I have just replaced mine, but the need some new circlips. Any ideas where I can get them from please.
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Wychall
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Re: Replacing tailgate struts

Post by Wychall »

jocko wrote:I have just replaced mine, but the need some new circlips. Any ideas where I can get them from please.

You didn't mention the use of the barbecue fork for levering them off, did you Jock!

Here's your replacements.

http://www.brickwerks.co.uk/index.php/e ... ll-x2.html

:ok
.
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jocko
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Re: Replacing tailgate struts

Post by jocko »

Wychall wrote:
jocko wrote:I have just replaced mine, but the need some new circlips. Any ideas where I can get them from please.

You didn't mention the use of the barbecue fork for levering them off, did you Jock!

Here's your replacements.

http://www.brickwerks.co.uk/index.php/e ... ll-x2.html

:ok


Looks like I will have to wait till I need some more bits from them. Minimum order is £5.

Brian its is technically a tailgate strut fork :lol:
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Wychall
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Re: Replacing tailgate struts

Post by Wychall »

jocko wrote:


Looks like I will have to wait till I need some more bits from them. Minimum order is £5.


Try the little motor accessory place on Weoley Castle Square. They are likely to have an assortment box of various sizes. Just measure your shaft before you go. ( The one that the struts are mounted on! :oops: ) :rofl
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TomDub85
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Re: Replacing tailgate struts

Post by TomDub85 »

Going to be changing mine in the next day or 2 when they arrive any advice on tackling this job the above thread has boosted my coincidence in it being a easy job . main worry is taking the top section off e clips etc
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Re: Replacing tailgate struts

Post by Drunk Aardvark »

Thanks for this. Ordered mine from Heritage and due to arrive tomorrow. Can't wait to fit them as fed up cracking my head!
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pfield69
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Re: Replacing tailgate struts

Post by pfield69 »

If you are interested these people do higher rated struts that can lift tailgate with cycle rack on etc.

http://www.sgs-engineering.com/gas-struts" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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Re: Replacing tailgate struts

Post by RussT3 »

Thanks for the info Tim. It's on my ever growing to do list. Hey jocko where did you get your struts from and how much?

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Re: Replacing tailgate struts

Post by Cruz »

pfield69 wrote:If you are interested these people do higher rated struts that can lift tailgate with cycle rack on etc.

http://www.sgs-engineering.com/gas-struts" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Standard 600nm struts do that. :?

Not sure I would want to lift the tailgate with bikes on. Got to think of the strain on the hinges

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