Trunk struts Options

[dgbldr]

Hi guys,

I have a 96 Convertible that I've owned for a while and only now getting around to replacing the original Tokico worn-out trunk lift struts. I have the factory wing/spoiler.

I have tried 3 different sets of struts with ratings of 30, 38 and 48 lbs each and none of them can lift the lid out of the latch when I pop it with either the key or the cable. If I lift the lid by hand a few inches, the struts can lift it the rest of the way. The stiffest one (48 lbs) will actually bang the lid quite swiftly at the top end. These are all Sachs struts. My supplier doesn't have anything else for me to try. He cannot cross-reference the original Tokicos.

Is there a specific "secret" strut that I need to get or is this a known Celica problem with no solution?

Thanks

This post has been edited by dgbldr: Sep 19, 2008 - 8:48 PM

[Hanyo]

that is what the strut was designed to do. To help lift the lid up 70% of the way and keep it open.

There is no lid support designed from the factory to open the lip completely from a closed position to fully open because it would be really hard to close the lid.

If you want to open it completely from a closed position your gonna need to either do a custom shock set up or use an electric motor.

[dgbldr]

Yes, I understand that. The problem was that when I released it from inside (or with the key), the lid did not clear the latch so I could lift it. It was still latched.

After looking at it for a good while I realized that neither the struts nor the latch itself are pushing the lid up to clear the latch. That function is provided by 2 rubber bumpers on the bottom of the lid. When you slam the lid, the 2 bumpers compress. When you release the latch, the bumpers de-compress and move the lid up just enough to clear the latch and you can lift it.

My bumpers are worn and old (stiffened) enough to where they are not doing that properly. I just shimmed them up a little to test my theory and now it works fine. All I need is new bumpers.

[Hanyo]

you have this problem then


http://www.6gc.net/forums/index.php?showto...lever&st=20


its not the struts, but the rubber pieces you mention before.

I would attempt to take apart the latch assemble and lube it up before trying to get new rubber pieces.

[CelicaST_CALI]

My dad claims that back in 1996(when he bought it) when u pulled the trunk release was pulled the trunk lid flipped all the way open...

[dgbldr]

Thanks Hanyo. I could have saved myself some head scratching if I searched the forum more thotoughly. But the latch is fine, just needed new bumpers.

CelicaST, I don't think there is any way to get the trunk to flip open by itself without a motor. With the lid closed or almost closed, the struts push back, not up.

[CelicaST_CALI]

thats wat i told him"there is no way u could get that closed" but he claimed it did it..ill play with mine tomorow and see if i can rig something up...