TwinTurbo.NET: Nissan 300ZX forum - Replacing worn Hatch Sturts using the McMaster kit.
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Subject Replacing worn Hatch Sturts using the McMaster kit.
     
Posted by YugoBernie (NoVA) on October 12, 2003 at 4:01 PM
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Message This question comes around all the time and I figured it was time to put together this simple post. I did this to my '95 2+2 about 3 years back when I installed the '94+ style wing and the hatch would no longer stay up on it's own. The coupe & 2+2 use DIFFERENT length hatch struts so be sure to order the correct length.

This "kit" cost about $60 shipped and can be installed in under 30min w. the following tools:

12mm open ended wrench
13mm deep socket & ratchet
broom stick/prop/a friend
Loc-Tite (optional but recommended)

You can order all you need from [ www.mcmaster.com ]

4x 9416K87 13mm ball socket
4x 9512k83 13mm ball studs
1x 9416k82 package of 13mm safety clips
2x 9416k21 13mm struts (10.24 long for coupe)
or
2x 9416k22 13mm struts (12.8 long for 2+2)

The 125lbs PER SIDE are firm and are enough for most ANY wing on the market. The 150lbs per side are stiff and will take some force to close. Anything more then that is OVERKILL and not recommended unless you have an especially heavy aftermarket wing - typically this is NOT a case of "bigger is better".

Safety Warning
The rear hatch is HEAVY (even if your struts are worn they are still doing much of the lifting when you open it. You MUST at the very least use a brace to hold it up while working on it. I recommend having a friend on hand to keep it stable.

1. Prop the hatch w. a heavy stick or pipe. Remove the stock struts by using the 12mm open-ended wrench. Here is helps to have someone holding the hatch to keep weight off of the struts as you remove them - this will also keep you from damaging the threads as weight shifts on them

2. Save the stock lock washer, flat washer & plastic washer from the factory struts.

3. Install the McMaster 9512k83 13mm ball studs using the 13mm deep socket in all 4 stock mounting locations. Be sure the reuse the 3 washers listed above and I like to add a drop of Loc-Tite to the threads. They are a snug fit, be sure not to cross thread or over turn it as the hatch metal is soft.

4. Apply Loc-Tite to the ends of the McMaster 13mm struts and screw on the 4x 9416K87 13mm ball sockets.

5. Snap the 4 struts over the 4 ball studs you installed in step 3. The stock struts are mounted so that the gas cylinder end is on the hatch and the moving rods are attached by the 1/4 windows.

6. Slip the McMaster 9416k82 lock clip's straight end into the 2 holes on the side of the ball socket.

7. Swing is closed so it snaps over the shaft of the ball socket right under the round head. Repeat on the other 3 ends.

This is a far less expensive option then buying new OEM struts and will out perform any "StrongArm" AutoZone brand as well. In the 2 years that I had them on my 2+2 they showed no signs of loosing their lifting strength. In the even that they do wear out all you have to replace is the struts themselves because all of the mounting hardware can be reused.

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Bernie Bilski berniebilski@comcast.net
1995 NISSAN 300ZX TwinTurbo 5 Speed in Cobalt Green
1989 YUGO GVL 5 Speed in Arctic White
ZCCNV #390 ~ ECZA #368

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