replaced trunk torsion bars with gas struts

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replaced trunk torsion bars with gas struts

August 06, 2008, 11:45:25 PM

Has anyone replaced the torsion bars with gas struts, where the struts are located under the package tray?

If yes, will you post some pics?

Thanks

replaced trunk torsion bars with gas struts

Reply #1 – August 07, 2008, 11:23:03 AM

I have not done this But thought about it many times. 1st pick where you want to locate the Gas Struts! Measure then length in that area. Then get an idea of how much Weight the trunk lid and such is. Then head over to the parts store. I know my store gets mighty lift brand Gas struts. They have many different mounting styles. I'd tell you to use the Ball Stud type. Lots of new one come with ball studs but just in case they should be able to get you some through the Dorman brand. I believe the size is 3/8" ball then pick the thread size. Or head to the Junkyard and find something

replaced trunk torsion bars with gas struts

Reply #2 – August 09, 2008, 08:12:12 AM

I'm doing that very mod to my bird. I'm using a pair of struts that came from a pickup canopy that the door was about the same weight as the trunk lid. I took the mounting brackets from both ends and I'm checking where and how to mount them. So far it loks like they will be mounting close to the rear seat braces. I'll get some pics of it when I get a chance to work on it again.

replaced trunk torsion bars with gas struts

Reply #3 – August 09, 2008, 10:25:35 PM

A guess, but wouldn't finding a pair of truck topper struts work?

replaced trunk torsion bars with gas struts

Reply #4 – August 09, 2008, 10:41:21 PM

Checking out the struts at the local Ohwhyme, it looks like there are a few struts for cars with big hoods that are close to right size. I was thinking one of those struts might be enough for the trunk lid.

replaced trunk torsion bars with gas struts

Reply #5 – August 09, 2008, 11:05:03 PM

how about this kinda setup?

replaced trunk torsion bars with gas struts

Reply #6 – August 09, 2008, 11:09:46 PM

Will something like that fit? If so, could all that stuff for the torsion bars be removed, or is that structural?

replaced trunk torsion bars with gas struts

Reply #7 – August 09, 2008, 11:23:21 PM

I don't believe that that anything connected to the bars are structural.
I think the X brace behind the back seat is the keeper.

Something like that could be connected to a bracket inside the trunk opening if there isn't enough room out side.

I'll measure them and the space they require tomorrow before the car leaves to it's new home

replaced trunk torsion bars with gas struts

Reply #8 – August 09, 2008, 11:29:44 PM

Being able to pull those braces from the trunk would really open up space back there. That would be sweet.

replaced trunk torsion bars with gas struts

Reply #9 – August 09, 2008, 11:36:12 PM

isn't yours covered up with that cardboard stuff?
I'll take peek in mine tomorrow and see whats in there. should be kinda the same as an 87, wouldn't you think

replaced trunk torsion bars with gas struts

Reply #10 – August 10, 2008, 12:10:25 AM

I'm thinking about these bits, not the back seat.

replaced trunk torsion bars with gas struts

Reply #11 – August 10, 2008, 12:49:47 AM

I guess, without having all the stress from the tension bars, you could probably take them out. but I would imagine they designed the hinge with that support in mind. It might need a little reinforcing after the brace comes out. It's going to be one of those build as you go projects I think. You also don't want it to twist the trunk up when the lid opens

replaced trunk torsion bars with gas struts

Reply #12 – August 10, 2008, 01:07:39 AM

Just got close and personal in there. The torsion bar part could be removed and still leave enough material to support the hinge pivots. Looks like the trunk has a date with a cutting wheel.

replaced trunk torsion bars with gas struts

Reply #13 – August 10, 2008, 11:03:12 AM

cougarman did a setup like this a while back but I cant remember the post. he had a few pics of his setup.

replaced trunk torsion bars with gas struts

Reply #14 – August 10, 2008, 11:41:19 AM

I put mine from the hinge to the decklid, he wants to put them under the package tray.:D