Lift gate supports - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Scott Johnson · 07-18-2010, 06:06 PM

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 · 07-18-2010, 10:58 PM

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** · 07-18-2010, 10:59 PM

Quote:

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 · 07-19-2010, 12:22 AM

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 · 07-19-2010, 09:44 AM

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** · 07-19-2010, 06:02 PM

Quote:

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 · 07-19-2010, 10:49 PM

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 · 07-20-2010, 12:04 AM

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 · 07-20-2010, 08:25 AM

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 · 07-20-2010, 11:32 PM

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 · 07-21-2010, 11:52 AM

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

Scott Johnson · 07-21-2010, 12:23 PM

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 · 07-21-2010, 07:27 PM

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 · 07-25-2010, 11:40 PM

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 · 07-26-2010, 08:22 AM

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 · 07-26-2010, 09:00 AM

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 · 07-26-2010, 03:11 PM

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

Jwill41 · 08-08-2010, 10:15 PM

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 · 08-10-2010, 05:51 PM

did the same with struts - love it!

**Hart_Rod** · 08-14-2010, 10:17 AM

Looks good!

chewiebarker · 04-18-2014, 03:49 PM

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 · 04-18-2014, 04:35 PM

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 · 04-18-2014, 11:06 PM

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

BennettGM · 10-10-2014, 11:02 AM

Quote:

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 · 07-25-2016, 08:30 AM

Quote:

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!

07-18-2010, 06:06 PM	#1
Scott Johnson Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Louisiana Posts: 281	Lift gate supports 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 __________________ 71 C10 Step Daily Driver 72 K10 Suburban Work in Progress www.louisianaclassictruckclub.com

07-18-2010, 10:58 PM	#2
69nova Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: virginia Posts: 49	Re: Lift gate supports 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!

07-19-2010, 09:44 AM	#5
69nova Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: virginia Posts: 49	Re: Lift gate supports 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!

07-19-2010, 10:49 PM	#7
capev86 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Eliot, Maine Posts: 1,314	Re: Lift gate supports 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.

07-20-2010, 12:04 AM	#8
Scott Johnson Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Louisiana Posts: 281	Re: Lift gate supports 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? __________________ 71 C10 Step Daily Driver 72 K10 Suburban Work in Progress www.louisianaclassictruckclub.com

07-19-2010, 12:22 AM	#4
Scott Johnson Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Louisiana Posts: 281	Re: Lift gate supports 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? __________________ 71 C10 Step Daily Driver 72 K10 Suburban Work in Progress www.louisianaclassictruckclub.com

07-20-2010, 08:25 AM	#9
Scott Johnson Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Louisiana Posts: 281	Re: Lift gate supports 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? __________________ 71 C10 Step Daily Driver 72 K10 Suburban Work in Progress www.louisianaclassictruckclub.com

07-20-2010, 11:32 PM	#10
Chevydude56 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Syracuse NY Posts: 110	Re: Lift gate supports 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 __________________ 1967 Suburban 292 3spd 1964 Chevy II wagon 1971 Monte Carlo 402BB 1964 Cadillac series 62 2dr 1964 Bonneville 2dr/ht 1967 GTO 1978 Chevy Van 30 1989 R30 Crew Dually Bonus Cab

07-21-2010, 11:52 AM	#11
Jwill41 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Farmers Branch, Tx Posts: 1,009	Re: Lift gate supports thanks for the Rock Auto info. Now they only have 2 left. __________________ http://www.picturetrail.com/jwill41 67 1/2 ton GMC short step side 68 1/2 ton Chevy long fleet side 72 1/2 ton Chevy Suburban 99 1/2 ton Chevy Suburban founder (and only member) of the primer/clearcoat club Last edited by Jwill41; 07-21-2010 at 07:28 PM.

07-21-2010, 12:23 PM	#12
Scott Johnson Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Louisiana Posts: 281	Re: Lift gate supports 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 __________________ 71 C10 Step Daily Driver 72 K10 Suburban Work in Progress www.louisianaclassictruckclub.com

07-21-2010, 07:27 PM	#13
Jwill41 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Farmers Branch, Tx Posts: 1,009	Re: Lift gate supports I just checked the tracking info and mine are scheduled to be here tomorow. Order one day and receive the next. Now thats cool. __________________ http://www.picturetrail.com/jwill41 67 1/2 ton GMC short step side 68 1/2 ton Chevy long fleet side 72 1/2 ton Chevy Suburban 99 1/2 ton Chevy Suburban founder (and only member) of the primer/clearcoat club

07-25-2010, 11:40 PM	#14
Scott Johnson Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Louisiana Posts: 281	Re: Lift gate supports 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. Attached Images __________________ 71 C10 Step Daily Driver 72 K10 Suburban Work in Progress www.louisianaclassictruckclub.com

07-26-2010, 08:22 AM	#15
Jwill41 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Farmers Branch, Tx Posts: 1,009	Re: Lift gate supports 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. __________________ http://www.picturetrail.com/jwill41 67 1/2 ton GMC short step side 68 1/2 ton Chevy long fleet side 72 1/2 ton Chevy Suburban 99 1/2 ton Chevy Suburban founder (and only member) of the primer/clearcoat club

07-26-2010, 09:00 AM	#16
Scott Johnson Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Louisiana Posts: 281	Re: Lift gate supports 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. __________________ 71 C10 Step Daily Driver 72 K10 Suburban Work in Progress www.louisianaclassictruckclub.com

07-26-2010, 03:11 PM	#17
draggingframe01 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Elkridge, Md. Posts: 39	Re: Lift gate supports Just ordered the last two from Rock Auto. Thanks for the info.



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08-08-2010, 10:15 PM	#18
Jwill41 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Farmers Branch, Tx Posts: 1,009	Re: Lift gate supports 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. . __________________ http://www.picturetrail.com/jwill41 67 1/2 ton GMC short step side 68 1/2 ton Chevy long fleet side 72 1/2 ton Chevy Suburban 99 1/2 ton Chevy Suburban founder (and only member) of the primer/clearcoat club

08-10-2010, 05:51 PM	#19
72GMC-Burb Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Saginaw, MI Posts: 46	Re: Lift gate supports did the same with struts - love it!

08-14-2010, 10:17 AM	#20
Hart_Rod ************* Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Pensacola, FL Posts: 17,858	Re: Lift gate supports Looks good! __________________ Rob - https://www.instagram.com/hart_rod_c10 As Iron Sharpens Iron, So One Man Sharpens Another. Proverbs 27:17 FOR SALE: DBW pedal bracket - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=651123 FOR SALE: Hood Brackets http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=679945 1987 Silverado SWB - 34.5K original miles http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=801834 1969 SuperBurb - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=200387 1968 Farm truck - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=358692 1968 SWB - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=551258 1948 Chevy - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=122164&page=3

04-18-2014, 03:49 PM	#21
chewiebarker Registered User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Boxford, MA Posts: 364	Re: Lift gate supports 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. __________________ 1971 K20 Suburban 2012 LS1500 4WD Suburban 2003 Honda Accord LX V6 (don't tell anyone) MY 'BUILD' THREAD: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=618915

04-18-2014, 04:35 PM	#22
chewiebarker Registered User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Boxford, MA Posts: 364	Re: Lift gate supports 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. __________________ 1971 K20 Suburban 2012 LS1500 4WD Suburban 2003 Honda Accord LX V6 (don't tell anyone) MY 'BUILD' THREAD: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=618915

04-18-2014, 11:06 PM	#23
72MARIO Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Huntsville Ontario Canada Posts: 4,051	Re: Lift gate supports please let us know how the work out. That's a mod do list before the burb comes out for the summer. __________________ 1968 Suburban numbers matching all original truck now equipped with 6.0/4L80 on Accuair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=625017 1967 C/20 6.0/4L80 Roofing Truck 1990 V2500 Suburban "Plow Truck" 2005 TAHOE DD

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