Lift shocks for 97 super rear hatch

[Brichter14]

My electric actuator stopped working and i never really liked it in the first place so i want to get some shocks to hold it up. I have seen it done in the past so does anybody have some reccomendations??

[scarbs]

I did it...here's the link:

http://www.planetnautique.com/vb3/sh...ocks-and-latch

[s_kelley2000]

My actuator has acted up a couple of times over the past 2 seasons. Both times the fix was tightening a loose connection or cleaning a dirty connection on one of the two relays. You may want to check those if you haven't already.

But I agree that adding lift shocks like Scarbs did is a great improvement. The actuator robs tons of space in that locker and make it a pain to get to the block drain, water pump, trans cooler or anything else on that side. But I do enjoy the cool factor and getting the ooh and ahs whenever a newbie sees it lift haha.

[charlesml3]

Gang,

What you're calling "shocks" are not shocks at all. They're Gas Springs. Lots of people mistakenly call them "shocks" because they sorta resemble shock absorbors on a car. They're gas springs. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas_spring

[Brichter14]

What mounting brackets did u use for the springs scarbs?

[scarbs]

Just standard brackets off of eBay--one for each end of each shock. PM me your email and I can send better photos of the brackets, etc.

[Brichter14]

Would it be possble to attach the springs to the outside? Like this?

[scarbs]

Probably, but you'd have to get a different type of bracket. And if you mount it to the fiberglass only, you might put undue pressure on the gel that may cause cracking. But a bracket like this (only turned sideways) should work if you want to go that route:

[Brichter14]

Thats really helpful scarbs thanks. I think i will try it on the outside and if it doesnt work ill just try to support the middle.

[Brichter14]

Which one to buy?

[scarbs]

I think any of them would work. But I'd go with option number one.

[EchoLodge]

Keep us posted if your gas shock method works Brich.... I have been talking with Scarbs about his method. Want to do something this winter.