I’ve seen where some are using the gas lift a strut on the rear deck lids, either the Rodney kits or a home made version. Are these to assist weak torsion springs or are they used to replace them? I have to remove my deck lid to lift the motor while replacing the motor mounts (what a pain in the ASS!!!! stock Formula) and thought about removing the springs as I really don’t like them. Questions; is a gas strut enough to lift the lid with a spoiler by itself? Do I need to use 2, 1 on each side if I remove the springs?? Let me know what you’re using and what I’ll need to remove the springs and put on a strut or struts. Thanks everyone!
Rodney has kits for either situation. I removed mine while doing my 3800sc swap and ordered the appropriate kit from him. I really like it. His parts are well engineered and nicely finished and an excellent value. http://www.rodneydickman.com/retail.html under the exterior section...
Stock springs work fine and tension can be adjusted my moving locking pins.
As asked above, I suppose you unbolted the springs to remove the decklid. NOT NECESSARY. Only a 5 minute job to remove only the 4 bolts attaching the decklid to the hinges.
Nope, haven't removed anything yet, just don't like the springs and would like to replace with struts. Just wondering if it's 1 side or both for lid + wing.
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02:38 PM
ltlfrari Member
Posts: 5356 From: Wake Forest,NC,USA Registered: Jan 2002
When I did my DOHC swap I removed the springs (only to make more room, it's a BIG motor) and used Rodney's struts (2) for the deck lid. On the 88 I have now a PO had removed the springs and put struts on there but had also added a wing and the struts were not strong enough. I put the springs back on (got them with the car) and the lid stays up now. Overall I'd say use two struts rather than just one. One would have to be super string and is going to try to twist the lid when up. Two just look more balanced to me as well.
if you have a spoiler you will have to use two struts, one will not be enough to hold it up, and like ltlfrari said, I think it looks a whole lot better in appearance with the balanced look.
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11:50 PM
Mar 20th, 2011
Rodney Member
Posts: 4715 From: Caledonia, WI USA Registered: Feb 2000
I sell many single kits to those with V-8's and other engine swaps where they have removed both factory springs. A single with the factory springs removed woks just fine.
------------------ Rodney Dickman
Fiero Parts And Acc's Web Page: All new web page!:www.rodneydickman.com Rodney Dickman's Fiero accessories 7604 Treeview Drive Caledonia, WI 53108 Phone/Fax (262) 835-9575
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04:55 AM
Apr 13th, 2011
snakeskinner1 Member
Posts: 252 From: st. joseph,MO. Registered: Jan 2011
If you are adding a wing AND scoop, the yes a strut is needed but only one. Having two just makes it look nice, but two not needed if the right strut is used. Rodney has the correct struts and brackets, Buy from him and save yourself some make-your- own-hassle
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08:58 AM
sspeedstreet Member
Posts: 2306 From: Santa Maria, CA Registered: Dec 2002
I have a Rodney single strut with a spoiler on a GT. More than enough to support the decklid. One major drawback to the struts is that the decklid "popper" no longer functions. The latch functions, but there is no lift from the strut to clear the latch. I need to fit a small coil spring (like the front hood has) to overcome this.
------------------ 1988 GT, 5-speed, white, beechwood leather, 3.4 DOHC crate motor with Getrag 5-speed. 6-speed installation is next.
Just FYI, removing those torsion springs makes it easier to replace the firewall-side spark plugs on a 2.8 / 3.1 / 3.4 V6. More room.
You can use a single strut. I know one of Rodney's kits does that. I also had a homemade gas strut setup that used a single strut on a decklid with a spoiler. No torsion springs necessary.
[This message has been edited by Blacktree (edited 04-15-2011).]
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