I need to replace the gas springs for my tailgate (Suburban 2500 LT, 2001), as they froze when it was cold this winter. However, the labels have fallen off at some time, so I don't know the specifications.


Anyone who knows the specifications (length, strength)?

 

I have a 2002 Suburban K2500.


I replaced the liftgate struts last year, they would not hold up the gate when it was cold out.


Rock Auto (www.rockauto.com) has them for about $15 each. They have several manufacturers ranging from $8 each, but I didn't want to buy the cheapest ones.


I didn't use the specs on the struts, I just used Rock Auto's online catalog and looked up the correct ones for the Sub.


Steve

 

Well, I live in Sweden, and it will make a huge price difference for me if I can get generic ones.

Also, mine aren't just bad when it's cold, I think the cold froze some O-ring or something, because after a few cold nights (-35C, about the same in F), they are completely dead, even now when the weather is warm.

 

I didn't realize you were in Sweden.


Here are some specs from the manufacturer of the replacement struts:


<table class="moreinfotable" style="width: 500px;"><tbody><tr><td>Extended Length (inches)</td><td>18.06</td></tr><tr><td>Compressed Length (inches)</td><td>11.31</td></tr><tr><td>Stroke (inches)</td><td>6.75</td></tr><tr><td>Pounds of Force</td><td>45</td></tr><tr><td>Shaft Diameter (mm)</td><td>6</td></tr><tr><td>Body Diameter (mm)</td><td>15</td></tr><tr><td>Shaft Connection</td><td>Ball Socket (Nylon) 10mm</td></tr><tr><td>Body Connection</td><td>Ball Socket (Nylon) 10mm</td></tr><tr><td>Hardware Kit</td><td>Not Included</td></tr><tr><td>



Hope this helps!


Steve
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I was looking further and another manufacturer of replacement parts shows these specs, which are different. If you compare the extended length to the ones you have it should tell you which set of specs is correct. The differences in length between the two specs are big, so it will be clear which one is correct.


<table class="moreinfotable" style="width: 500px;"><tbody><tr><td>Extended Length (inches)</td><td>24.69</td></tr><tr><td>Compressed Length (inches)</td><td>15.69</td></tr><tr><td>Stroke (inches)</td><td>9.00</td></tr><tr><td>Pounds of Force</td><td>130</td></tr><tr><td>Shaft Diameter (mm)</td><td>10</td></tr><tr><td>Body Diameter (mm)</td><td>22</td></tr><tr><td>Shaft Connection</td><td>Ball Socket (Nylon) 10mm</td></tr><tr><td>Body Connection</td><td>Ball Socket (Nylon) 10mm</td></tr><tr><td>Hardware Kit</td><td>Not Included</td></tr><tr><td>Mounting Bracket






Steve
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</td></tr></tbody></table>

 

Thanks, that'll help a lot!

I think I'll just remove one (it's not like it's doing any good anyway, it's as limp as a boiled spaghetti) and bring it to the store. That should make it easy to check everything but the force, and that I can get from your information.

Thanks, mate. If you are ever in my part of Sweden, I owe you a beer.

 

I just realized that the difference in force is huge (45 lbs vs 130 lbs). Could either of them be a typo?

 

I did some more research on these struts.

A big manufacturer of replacement liftgate struts here is Strong Arm.

Here are their specs:

ame Strong Arm 4557 Gas Charged Liftgate Lift Support | Cadillac | Chevrolet | GMC
Body End Description Ball Socket U Band (Nylon)=10mm=3/8"=.39"
Shaft End Description Ball Socket U Band (Nylon)=10mm=3/8"=.39"
SKU 10590W
Extended Length A [in] 24.69
Compressed Length B [in] 15.69
Stroke C [in] 9.00
Rod Diameter 0.39
Extended Length [mm] 627.00
Compressed Length B [mm] 399.00
Stroke [mm] 229.00
Rod Diameter [mm] 10
Sold As each
Quantity Per Application 2
Thread Size M6X1.00
Cylinder Diameter 0.87
Cylinder Diameter [mm] 22
Body Connector Part Number BSN10
Vehicle Location Liftgate
ext.ser.num 578N
Force (lbs) 130.00

So they agree with the 130 lbs of force.

It actually makes sense, as the struts are attached to the liftgate close to the pivot point, which needs much more force than at the area where you would pick up the gate at the end (about 4 feet away from the pivot). If they are 1 foot away from the pivot, you would need 4 times the force you would 4 feet away (at the edge of the gate).

Also, thinking further about it, the 45lb force shorter struts are probably the ones for the liftgate window only, not the whole liftgate.

Hope this helps
Steve

 

Yeah, that makes sense, the weaker are probably for the window.


I'll get back and report once I get it fixed!