Hatchback Lift Support

[JoeMayers]

Like quite a few older Insights, my hatchback air lift things gave out. The lowest I could find Honda items were $71 each plus shipping. It seems that no one but Honda makes replacements (limited production cars).

Now when you go to AutoZone or O'Reilly or whatever, the average price is $19.95 and some are barely over $10. Now if I need a part this is only made for this car, hey --- Pay to play. But when it is something so simple, I am too cheep to pay.

So I go to O'Reilly and sweet talk the girl at the counter into letting me go behind the counter and browse the Lift/Support area and guess what, tailgate lift for a '97-'01 Jeep Cherokee is very close at a whopping $18.50 each. With tax just under $40 for the pair. That's what I'm talking about. (Strongas Model #4291)

They are just a tad shorter, maybe 1/2" so it does not lift quite as far, but still far higher than needed. The small end is a ball type, no problem. The other end was some work.

With a vice, drill, dremel, hammer and assorted minor tools, in 30 minutes it was done. The Jeep lifts are a bit stronger and it takes a bit more pressure to close the trunk. But when you turn the key, it opens easily by itself.

If anyone is interested, I took a few pictures during the flogging and beating and it will save you some time.

Back to normal (the car, not me). Oh, I went to The Eagles in Concert in New Orleans at what Glenn Frey called "The Eagles Assisted Living Tour". The next morning, I said to myself, if they can do that and are older than me, I can surely fix a trunk lifter.

Flenn Frey dedicated "Take It To The Limit" to his ex-wife. He said the song reminded him of here credit card usage. He said she now goes by the name "Plantiff".

Joe Mayers, Abita Springs, La
2000 Insight, 188,000 miles

[Insightful Trekker]

Originally Posted by JoeMayers

. But when you turn the key, it opens easily by itself.

Beware of windy conditions from behind and the sharp cracking noise of a hatch being lifted too quickly.

I have seen this type of modification on other cars and the consequences of forgetting on a windy day.

[hyperclimber]

I would love to see the pictures of what you did. I actually have got through 2 pairs of lift supports. I'm starting to think that once it's about -40 outside (I am currently living in Minnesota) they pretty much freeze up and quit working. Anything to save me another 150 bucks would be greatly appreciated.

[02insight]

Originally Posted by Insightful Trekker

Beware of windy conditions from behind and the sharp cracking noise of a hatch being lifted too quickly.

I have seen this type of modification on other cars and the consequences of forgetting on a windy day.

whats the consequence?

[HareKrishna]

Please send me the pictures.

[satchel]

$123.88 for the real McCoys at Majestic, includes tax and shipping.

[HareKrishna]

Thanks Satchel. I went to the Majestic Honda website but couldn't find anything under "lift supports". Would they have another name?

[satchel]

They're in the tailgate section.

[bryankwalton]

Originally Posted by HareKrishna

Thanks Satchel. I went to the Majestic Honda website but couldn't find anything under "lift supports". Would they have another name?

Honda Automotive Parts

Cheers,
Bryan

[boogetyboogety]

Hmmmmm... let's see here...

(makes side-to-side balancing motion with both hands)

On the one hand...

$123.88 for the real McCoys at Majestic, includes tax and shipping.

On the other hand...

With tax just under $40 for the pair. That's what I'm talking about. (Strongas Model #4291)

OK, OK, I think I have it... let's do it one more time just to be sure...

On the right hand, I have...

$123.88 for the real McCoys at Majestic, includes tax and shipping.

And on the left hand, there's...

With tax just under $40 for the pair. That's what I'm talking about. (Strongas Model #4291)

(Right hand drops precipitously, left hand raised in triumph)



I don't see how a lot of people could be on the bubble here... Strongas #4291 FTW! Thanks, Joe, good find...