summerst

I just replaced the rear hatch struts in my 1990 Coupe. I went with the Strong Arm 4903/4904s. No problem installing the new struts but they seem to be very powerful and I have to exert considerable pressure to get the hatch closed. I replaced the weatherstrip at the same time. I just got off the phone with the Strong Arm tech support people and they told me that the struts are 52 lbs each which is also the same as the OE. I then called Monroe which also makes the struts (part 901016) and their tech support said that their struts were rated at 55.66 lbs which they claimed was the same lbs as the OE.
Has anyone swapped out their rear struts lately? Once installed did you have to work a bit harder to get the hatch closed (how much harder)? How much pressure is too much pressure? Does anyone know the actual lbs for the OE?

summerst

UPDATE I just answered my own question. I swapped out the new String Arm struts for the old ones and found that about half of the added pressure was from the new weathstripping. Decided to return the 4903/4s and try a pair of the Stabilius OEM struts instead ($49.50/pair plus shipping from lifesupportdepot.com). Per Lou in their tech support, Stabilius is the manufacturer of the actual part for the Corvette whereas Strong Arm struts are reversed-engineered Stabilius struts. The Stabilius struts are rated at 50 lbs (versus 52 lb for the Strong Arm). If anyone is planning to replace their hatch weatherstrip and struts at the same time may learn from my experience that you are going to find considerable resistance when you try to close the hatch the first time. Maybe its better to stagger the installation. Struts don't require removal of any parts so you may want to do the weatherstrip and wait a few weeks and then install the struts. I will do another update when I install the Stabilius struts.

kimmer

Churchkey

I find it easier to close/latch the hatch if a door or window is open.

HlhnEast

I replaced the struts with some used ones but my gaskets were new at the time. The hatch still takes a pretty good effort to close it and I think its all the gaskets. I dont believe the struts do a whole lot on the down stroke as opposed to being able to pop the hatch open wen you hit the button. My old ones were so worn I didnt know that the hatch would open by itself! I was happy just to get it up enough to get my hand under it. Now it glides open as it should and I dont get klonked on the head by a hatch trying to shut by itself.

ghlkal

I did the same thing this weekend. I agree that the new struts take much more effort to close.

ProjectC4

I replaced my weatherstrip too. I find that closing the hatch gently until the weatherstrip contacts the glass then leaning (not slamming) my weight right over the latch to compress the rubber works best.

powerpigz-51

I am unsure of what kind I have, but they could be used for an ejection seat on a fighter jet.

ghlkal