Looking for a little help with rear hatch struts. I see there are a lot of posts on the subject but nothing I can find that gives me all the info I need. I am just finishing up a rebuild on my '74. All I need to do to complete is to get some struts to hold up the rear hatch. I would like to use gas type struts. I have no OEM parts to work with so I need brackets and all. Does anyone know where to get gas struts to fit. I need to know part numbers of the struts and brackets as well. Any help would be great. Thanks
fj40 rear hatch strut help (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter buckskins
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
- Thread starter
- #3
So since I see 40 views and one reply I assume no one has done this upgrade to gas struts. Maybe if someone could just tell me what the org. stays measure from end to end, I have a start point. Thanks
pbgbottle
Forum Lifer
dude did you do a search .did you read the thread bikersmurf posted
it lists the part number in big red letters in post #13 of that thread
or you can read all of the threads yourself
https://forum.ih8mud.com/search.php?searchid=7148096
.............
it lists the part number in big red letters in post #13 of that thread
or you can read all of the threads yourself
https://forum.ih8mud.com/search.php?searchid=7148096
.............
I was one of the 40 but I didn't have the info on hand at the time, but I have it now. I don't know how to post links so I'll give you the info to find the thread.
The thread name is-- '72 FJ40 Liftgate Struts -- started by -- gbo43075 -- thread started on 2-25-09.
In this thread you'll see info for a couple different ways to do the struts. What I did is on page 2. I completely removed the stock spring struts and replaced them with gas struts. What I did requires a bit of fabbing for the mounts. My finished version had 60 lb struts, but you might be better off with the 40 lb struts as two at 60 lb each is still a bit stiff.
I'll try to answer any questions you may have.
Don
The thread name is-- '72 FJ40 Liftgate Struts -- started by -- gbo43075 -- thread started on 2-25-09.
In this thread you'll see info for a couple different ways to do the struts. What I did is on page 2. I completely removed the stock spring struts and replaced them with gas struts. What I did requires a bit of fabbing for the mounts. My finished version had 60 lb struts, but you might be better off with the 40 lb struts as two at 60 lb each is still a bit stiff.
I'll try to answer any questions you may have.
Don
skully3
SILVER Star
skully3
SILVER Star
Do a Google search for "gas springs 5200-50". This is the manufactures part number.
I just installed these. RV Gas Strut
Replaced the original spring and plug in the lifts.
I just installed these. RV Gas Strut
Replaced the original spring and plug in the lifts.
- Thread starter
- #9
Thank you all for yor help. There are some great ideas out there. Since I have no stays or brackets to start with Handcannons method will be the way I go. Handcannon- nice post and pictures. This was very helpful. I will need to fabricate brackets also and mat try tapping the ball stuts with no brackets. Just wondering if the angle will be o.k. I guess I will take your advise on the 60 lbs. being to much. If you
- Thread starter
- #10
I hit enter by mistake before I was done typing. Just wanted to ad, if you have any other advise please let me know. Thanks again.
I found that same Youtube video this past fall and went that route. Worked out really well. Now I don't worry about getting whacked in the head by the rear hatch and I never have to use the twists to lock it open. The gas springs are a great hidden upgrade that let's you keep the OEM look.
Chungas Revenge
SILVER Star
I was so impressed that I just ordered a set of struts to convert mine. Hopefully it will go just like in the video. Now to go get me some flip flops for the install.
Quick poll, how many peoe have been smacked in the head by that door?
That is why I like my 76 amby doors on my 72, along with the recessed front door handles for driving threw miles of overgrown brush.
