Clamshell Gas Strut Specs


Xcentric

Xcentric

GT Owner
Mark II Lifetime
Jul 9, 2012
5,213
Myakka City, Florida
Does anyone know the specs?

Not the Ford part number. I know that. I don't want to buy any more struts that have been on the shelf since 2004.

I can measure open and closed length, but the pressure/weight spec is not on the OEM part.

Looking to source from McMaster Carr or Columbia Struts.
 
Sorry don't know but just bought 2 new ones from Ford and I can see the difference in holding power already. definitely better than the 11 year old ones that were there. Is there a problem with the units sitting ? They are pretty much a sealed unit anyways.
 
Gary, I asked Ford parts if there was another compatible strut besides those labeled Ford GT and they said they were specially designed for just the GT. I said that seems like a waste of time for the engineers to design them just for the GT when time was so limited and they had already used parts from other Ford cars, but he said that's what they did. I ordered a set 2 weeks ago and they are much better than my 11 year old originals.
 
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I got a set from Ford that were leaking in the shrink packaging. Another set was fine. Gary, I'd order OEM and reject them if you see any leaking OR you can compress them at all in the package.
 
I installed new OEM last year and they work well.
Best,
Mark
 
Big Inch Blake got new ones and his clamshell blew shut in a light breeze.

They are made by Suspa. Wish I knew the weight rating.
 
What about some reverse engineering, can anyone provide the weight of the clamshell (with the rear glass)?
 
I installed new OEM's last year (very easy install/replacement BTW) and they have held up just fine. Plus, Ford offers a 24 mo SERVICE PARTS WARRANTY so if anything happens (part malfunctions) they will replace the part at no cost.
 
installed a pair last year ..... big big diffence... about $40.00 if I recall. Ford Service Parts

andy (ajb)
 
$40 each up here in Canada
 
At that price, why bother trying to find something else?
 
My damper struts had issues , wouldn't hold clam shell up , but I think cold weather here in Montana was affecting them. Price for the dampers here was $53.00 I believe. Nice for Ford to warranty them for 2 years, wish they would have warrantied the gauges.
 
Everything had a warranty for 36K or 36 months whichever came first.
 
Didn't Scott (northwood) sell an aftermarket set of struts that were supposed to be improved over oem? Not sure if he still does but perhaps he would chime in...
 
beckertb said:
Didn't Scott (northwood) sell an aftermarket set of struts that were supposed to be improved over oem? Not sure if he still does but perhaps he would chime in...
Click to expand...


I did a Forum search before I bought my struts a few months ago and couldn't find anything. I think my struts lasting 11 years is pretty good. How long do the struts last on SUVs and hatchbacks? Cold weather definitely identifies weak struts faster.
 
Installed mine ( new ones) this weekend. Wow what a difference. You can feel the strength as you open as well as the the increased force required to close the shell. The old ones were pretty much done. Had to practically lift the clam shell up and it would fall on its own to close. Big Difference and I am much happier now.
 
You could probably make some kind of a test rig using stacked weights on a stock strut to figure out the specifications.
 
beckertb said:
Didn't Scott (northwood) sell an aftermarket set of struts that were supposed to be improved over oem? Not sure if he still does but perhaps he would chime in...
Click to expand...

I just got a set from him works great


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I have plenty of the heavy duty units in stock. they are after market but they are stronger. PM me
 
I broke the code.

The OEM struts are 540 newtons / 120 lbs extension force.

Unfortunately, 120 lbs seems to be the maximum pressure made in the OEM strut physical dimensions (15" total length; 5.5" stroke).

I found one listing for 150 lbs, but they turned out to be not available. I would get 140-150 lbs if I could. Plenty of 120 lb. options for $10-$20 each.
 
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