Boxer Rear Deck Lid Struts/Shocks

Great thread, being resurrected due to a search for struts, but this time for the front struts on a BBi. Are they the same? Any info is as always, greatly appreciated.

 

I'm replying to my own thread (is that legal?). I've now determined I need front AND rear gas springs.

Seems the BBi rears ARE quite different in two major ways: They use the ball and cap mounting, plus - as the previous post says "28 inch extended length" for carb cars - the one on the much-improved and clearly-superior injected cars are under 20 inches, proving again that size does not matter. I believe this is partly due to the inaccessibility of the attachment on the carb car, also noted before.

There's nothing on McMaster Carr that is close enough to this measurement, so I went to AutoZone, found a perfect 'size' match, but have no idea on the force. When just ONE was installed, it held the engine lid up, so possibly too forceful. So...

Called LSTechnologies, am sending all 4 to them for inspection/rebuild/replacement. I'm also sending my 'off the shelf' AutoZone model so they can pressure test it. I didn't want to put that part # in if it turns out the be a poor replacement. Will report back.

 

Adams,
I don't think the F-Chat Police hang out in the BB threads, so you're probably OK for awhile. As a point of reference, the gas cylinders that I specified for use on a BB are "50lb" units x two. These work great...and the deck lid opens and closes without excessive force.

 

LSTechnologies attempted regassing my old hood and trunk struts, no luck, no charge either (HA!). They matched the pressure and end fittings to the original, and for $45 each, getting new all around. Not as cheap as some who got lucky at auto parts stores, but reasonable for the right part.

BTW, they checked the $26 MightyLift I sent them purchased from local AutoZone, which was IDENTICAL in fitment, but was rated at 77 pounds instead of the 50 required. WAY too much. Just FYI.

 

Adams,
Did they give a reason why they couldn't recharge your originals?
Thanks
W

 

Bad seals. A nick from the rod did it in. They said one held pressure, but wouldn't for long. The other was a goner. The real shocker (HA!) is that it was an original, yes, as in "1984".

 

Following up as promised -

Okay, got all 4 struts back from LSTechnologies. Very nice folks. They sent all 4 new ones in plastic, along with wrapping my old ones the same way, plus I'd sent them a new 'off the shelf' version from AutoZone that fit, but seemed too strong. As measured and previously posted, too strong.

The new ones went on without hassle. Big surprise is how bad my old ones had gotten. The new ones virtually lift either hood from about 15 degrees before full lift and bring it to a slow stop. Nice touch. The total for all 4, including shipping, was $204. This was about $80 more than those for the carb cars on McMaster Carr (earlier post) but since unavailable/unfindable there, the peace of mind was worth it.

 

Success!

My struts were getting weak so I send the rear ones to LS technologies after reading this.

I got lucky as they got recharged with gas and I was told they are shipped and they will be as good as new.
I am happy about keeping the originals (with the Ferrari name on them) and I was pleasantly surprised to be informed that the precise amount of gas pressure needed is posted next to the original emblem on the strut itself.

I will be sending them now the front ones also ,just to keep everything kind of new......

My car is a very late 84 model.


Mario

 

I also had my 88 TR's original date-coded Staibilus Elektro-Lift struts serviced by LST--great service and turnaround time. Can't believe the originals lasted 24 years.