Heavy Duty Rear Hatch Lift Struts?

[EddieC]

Just put on some StrongArm 6156 hatch struts on our 2008 Tahoe and the hatch only opens half way before needing help to continue. I believe they are rated at 244 pounds.
I want full unassisted rise like when new so does anyone know of something significantly stronger?

 

[OR VietVet]

Why not use the OE struts for that hatch. If you liked how it was working before, then use the OE struts. Like these: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=6416112&cc=1441040&jsn=973

If just the glass: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=6416115&cc=1441040&jsn=974

 

[EddieC]

Are the specs of the oems available somewhere?
I see the Strongarm item specs unfortunately the old ones were "recycled" and not compared.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Call your local GM Dealer and give them your VIN number, and ask them for a price and the part number. They will give you both, and then you can go look for a much better price for that part number.

 

[EddieC]

Isn't it odd that a search on GM parts sites list different lift gate supports for the left and right sides of the door?

 

[gooffeyguy]

Isn't it odd that a search on GM parts sites list different lift gate supports for the left and right sides of the door?

Maybe the drivers side doesn't need as much pressure if you have the power liftgate, as the lift mechanism is on that side

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[swathdiver]

This time of year with the cooler weather the struts are a little lazy. When it's warmer out, they lift just fine. Of course, this gets more pronounced the older they get.

GM OE for me.

 

[Larryjb]

Take a look at this site: https://www.liftsupportsdepot.com/c...ROLET&Model=TAHOE&search_return=all&Year=2008

They do give specs.

 

[EddieC]

Maybe the drivers side doesn't need as much pressure if you have the power liftgate, as the lift mechanism is on that side

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

No power lift.

 

[EddieC]

Take a look at this site: https://www.liftsupportsdepot.com/c...ROLET&Model=TAHOE&search_return=all&Year=2008

They do give specs.

Not the GM oem specs. That's the problem, not knowing what to compare to.

 

[EddieC]

This time of year with the cooler weather the struts are a little lazy. When it's warmer out, they lift just fine. Of course, this gets more pronounced the older they get.

GM OE for me.

I'm convinced that is the next step. GM needs the money, right?

 

[OR VietVet]

Not the GM oem specs. That's the problem, not knowing what to compare to.

Yea, I looked too and saw they gave their specs but no comparison specs for OE equipment.

 

[Larryjb]

I got my lift gate struts from that company before and they are fine, though I got the more expensive ones. However, I do see that they are slow in the winter. Keep in mind that if you get something that lifts really easily in the winter, you may have trouble closing the lift gate in the summer. It's all a balance.

On that site, they have some with greater lifting strength. The more expensive one has a lifting strength of 300 lbs wherease the Strongarm has a strength of 244 lbs. I see you have the Strongarm ones, so the other should do better. Perhaps you need a summer and winter lift supports?

 

[EddieC]

I got my lift gate struts from that company before and they are fine, though I got the more expensive ones. However, I do see that they are slow in the winter. Keep in mind that if you get something that lifts really easily in the winter, you may have trouble closing the lift gate in the summer. It's all a balance.

On that site, they have some with greater lifting strength. The more expensive one has a lifting strength of 300 lbs wherease the Strongarm has a strength of 244 lbs. I see you have the Strongarm ones, so the other should do better. Perhaps you need a summer and winter lift supports?

The origional GMs worked well in all seasons for about 10 years so I'll probably go back to GM for replacements. No need to make life complicated. The Strongarms can be replaced under warranty but why bother when they were a miss match from the start.

 

[wjburken]

The origional GMs worked well in all seasons for about 10 years so I'll probably go back to GM for replacements. No need to make life complicated. The Strongarms can be replaced under warranty but why bother when they were a miss match from the start.

The gas mixture that the gas spring manufacturer uses is critical for cold weather operation. GM had to design for this. Others are probably rebranding someone else’s springs and not fully understanding the science behind them. I’ve spent a lot of time having to spec out gas springs for different applications and rated temperature range for operation is important.

 

[swathdiver]

The gas mixture that the gas spring manufacturer uses is critical for cold weather operation. GM had to design for this. Others are probably rebranding someone else’s springs and not fully understanding the science behind them. I’ve spent a lot of time having to spec out gas springs for different applications and rated temperature range for operation is important.

And don't get heavy duty struts for the back window! LOL. GM OE for me on those too but I ain't gonna wait fifteen years like them fellas who find their back window behind the truck in hundreds of pieces either!

 

[EddieC]

Original GMs are being shipped. If they last 10 years again that's only 10 bucks a year. Thanks for the input.

 

[EddieC]

For anyone interested, the oem GM replacements, not a pair but different struts for each side, work properly. It's cold out and it doesn't seem to phase them. Wasted money on two different aftermarket brands in the life of the truck and neither worked properly. We don't have the power liftgate and that door is Heavy so the struts are critical!

 

[OR VietVet]

There is always a reason that OE parts come on these rigs down the assembly line, they work. There is not always a better mouse trap and if cost is your only concern, there is a YUGO out there with your name on it somewhere.

 

[Sergey A Rusakov]

For anyone interested, the oem GM replacements, not a pair but different struts for each side, work properly. It's cold out and it doesn't seem to phase them. Wasted money on two different aftermarket brands in the life of the truck and neither worked properly. We don't have the power liftgate and that door is Heavy so the struts are critical!

Do you mind sharing oem GM replacement part numbers please ? I have bought a pair of ACDELCO 5101245 Professional and they fail in winter.
Previously tried Stabilus SG330076 and SG330077 pair and the same result: work great until freezing temperature.