Lift gate supports

[Scott Johnson]

Has anyone converted their lift gate to use the gas lift supports? If so where did you get the part and what part number is it. Or what is the compressed and extended lengths I need and what pound supports?

Thanks
Scott

[69nova]

It is a great swap (http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=220511) This post covers it well. I recommend a little weaker shock but didn't take the time to find them. Good luck!

[Hart_Rod]

Originally Posted by Scott Johnson

Has anyone converted their lift gate to use the gas lift supports? If so where did you get the part and what part number is it. Or what is the compressed and extended lengths I need and what pound supports?

Thanks
Scott

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=220511

[Scott Johnson]

Hey Rob, great post. I did a search at Advance Auto and could find the part # 4220. Was the one you eventually used the 13.5 to 21 inch support that was 76 pounds?

[69nova]

I did this conversion with my 72 burb and it works great! I asked my 130lb wife to close the hatch for me one day and I turned around to hear her laughing and see her feet are off the ground and she's hanging on the hatch. She did finally get it closed but that is what I meant by a little weaker shock. The ironic part about it is that prior to me doing the conversion she had trouble opening the hatch fully (due to the weight of the hatch)! Great conversion!

[Hart_Rod]

Originally Posted by Scott Johnson

Hey Rob, great post. I did a search at Advance Auto and could find the part # 4220. Was the one you eventually used the 13.5 to 21 inch support that was 76 pounds?

You'll have to ask them to look it up and order them.

[capev86]

the tailgates on our burbs are feather light....try closing the one on a 73-91 burb with the glass that rolls down into it. you have to have strong arms to swing it up.

[Scott Johnson]

Went to Advance tonite and the guys there said they didn`t have any specs for the lift supports that they could only look them up by application. I guess I`ll have to order from McMaster Carr. Just to be sure the closed length should be no greater then 13.5 and the extended length should be 21. Not sure of the pound but I found some that were 60lb, will this be enough?

[Scott Johnson]

Found some at McMaster Carr the extended length is 22.36", compressed length is 12.52". I can order them in whatever poundage I need from 15 to 130 lbs each. What poundage do you guys reccomend I order?

[Chevydude56]

Don't if this helps, found Strong arm #4220 at

Rock Auto for $10.02 (4 left)
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php

Amizon.com for $23.06

Amazon.com: StrongArm 4220 Volvo 740 Sta. Wagon...

Chris

[Jwill41]

thanks for the Rock Auto info. Now they only have 2 left.

[Scott Johnson]

I ordered some from McMaster Carr along with the rod ends. I will post how they worked out in a week or two when I get them installed

[Jwill41]

I just checked the tracking info and mine are scheduled to be here tomorow. Order one day and receive the next. Now thats cool.

[Scott Johnson]

Got mine installed today, with the rod ends on mine was too long to use the original mounting holes on the bottom. I had to drill new holes at the bottom and will have to weld me a solid nut in so that the mount will be solid, there is no reinforcement behind the metal in that area. After I get a nut welded in I will be good to go. The 60lb shocks are more that enough to handle the door probably could have used 50lb. Here is a pic of it as it sits now.

[Jwill41]

looking good. From what I have been reading, yours are upside down. The cylinder should be on top so that the rod gets oiled on every stroke. Peobably no big deal but thats what I read somewhere.

I tried installing mine Saturday but broke a couple of the ball studs. I even borrowed a couple from my other trucks and broke them. Those things wont take much tightening. Waiting for new ones in the mail and I will try again.

[Scott Johnson]

Thanks for the tip, I have to get some shorter ball studs for mine, the cylinders contact the lift gate when it is closed, but should be plenty of room with a little shorter stud. Other than that, I like the conversion.

[draggingframe01]

Just ordered the last two from Rock Auto. Thanks for the info.

[Jwill41]

I got the gas struts installed on the lift gate today. They are a little too strong but hopefull they will get easier over time.
.

[72GMC-Burb]

did the same with struts - love it!

[Hart_Rod]

Looks good!

[chewiebarker]

AMS Automotive has a chart of their universal lift supports that allow you to pick length and amount of force you desire. http://www.amsautomotive.com/how-to-...need-see-chart They also have ball studs and other hardware.

AMS Automotive is the brand that Rock Auto carries.

[chewiebarker]

Actually, I just ordered some Scott Johnson suggested on McMaster Carr. I got the 40lb lift, 20.13 inch extended, versions that include the ball studs for $15.72 each. Can't beat that price! http://www.mcmaster.com/#catalog/120/1222/=rledrz
Part Number 4138T58. Thought about 50lb versions but the 40s should handle it fine. Compressed size is 11.85 inches.

[72MARIO]

please let us know how the work out. That's a mod do list before the burb comes out for the summer.

[BennettGM]

Originally Posted by chewiebarker

Actually, I just ordered some Scott Johnson suggested on McMaster Carr. I got the 40lb lift, 20.13 inch extended, versions that include the ball studs for $15.72 each. Can't beat that price! http://www.mcmaster.com/#catalog/120/1222/=rledrz
Part Number 4138T58. Thought about 50lb versions but the 40s should handle it fine. Compressed size is 11.85 inches.

Hi Chewiebarker - just reading your post on the liftgate shocks - you mentioned you ordered shocks from McMaster Carr and I wondering if you got them installed and did you have any issues with the travel of the shock and the liftgate closing properly?

[zach_carver]

Originally Posted by chewiebarker

Actually, I just ordered some Scott Johnson suggested on McMaster Carr. I got the 40lb lift, 20.13 inch extended, versions that include the ball studs for $15.72 each. Can't beat that price! http://www.mcmaster.com/#catalog/120/1222/=rledrz
Part Number 4138T58. Thought about 50lb versions but the 40s should handle it fine. Compressed size is 11.85 inches.

How did these end up working? I just ordered them as well and hoping 50lbs are ok. Our suburban needs them bad, the metal current ones are terrible!