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If you are trying to replace the rear hatch lift shocks-struts on something like my 1999 Forester, then you have two options. 1) Get replacement struts from the dealer for $65+ per shock; or 2) Get Similar size generic shocks that require a slight modification, such as a Mighty Lift! 95224 found at any automotive store for a little over $20. As you might have noticed, the hatch shocks are permanently attached to their mounting brackets, which makes them require unique shocks...... normally.
I opted for a slight modification that allows generic replacement shocks.
Here's what you need:
1. Mighty Lift! 95224 replacement gas strut with mounting hardware. I got mine from O'Reilly's
2. #10 1.0 thread nut for the new bolts
3. drill
4. 5/16inch drill bit, and possibly a 1/4"
5. Sockets and wrenches
Here is what I did.
1. Push the rear hatch up as far as it can go and prop it up with something. I happened to have a ski pole that was the exact length. Make sure it is as far as it can go so that when you remove the bolts the shocks don't spring into your face.
2. With a socket or screwdriver, remove the two bolts holding each shock mount to the hatch. I used a socket for this. With a wrench, remove the lower universal-type bolt attached to the body.
3. Clamp the old mounting bracket (from the top of the hatch) down so it can't move. Drill out the back of the rivet that permanently attached the shock to the mounting bracket. I drilled out the hole with a 1/4inch bit to release the bracket and then widened the hole for the new bolt with a 5/16inch bit. Each hole took about 1 minute a piece to drill.
4. The new strut should come with a little packet of mounting hardware, including two universal-ball-ended bolts and two washers. Place the new universal-ball-ended bolt through the drilled hole (ball end towards the original mounting bolts) along with a washer. Tighten it down to the old mounting bracket with your #10 nut.
5. Attach the old mounting brackets (with new attachment) to the hatch.
6. Screw in the two remaining universal-ball-ended bolts onto the body.
7. The new shock should clip right into the new ball joints.
NOTE:
This will shorten the maximum height of the lifted hatch by about 2-3 inches. That means that you can't just replace one shock or you will have unequal lift pressures. The whole process took me 20-30 minutes.
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∙ 16y ago
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