Trunk torsion bar to shock swap

[Rktpwrd]

Rktpwrd you don’t happen to know the length of strut that you used or a p/n? I’m going to need some more clearance for speakers and thinking that this is the way I would like to go. Thanks in advance for any info.

The extended length is just a hair over 18” at 18.15, and the compressed length is 11.80”. I know this to be exact because those are the dimensions directly from the supplier I got them from on Amazon.

I’m hesitant to give you the part number I used though, because mine are in the 100lb range to support the weight of my trunk lid and the fibreglass spoiler that’s on it. As it is, 100lb is a little stronger than what I really need, but I couldn’t find anything available in the 85lb(ish) range. You’re going to have to rough guesstimate the weight of your trunk to know what weight shock to order.

The manufacturer I used was A-Premium. Hope this helps.

 

[Ugly1]

You mean a set of these? Came out of an 1980 Monte

 

[Ugly1]

Here ya go.
I did it to gain clearance to my air management system, but have also had issues with sub box clearances etc in the past so I understand the interest in converting.

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I riveted a small bracket with the ball stud already attached to the trunk weatherstrip channel, used rivets so the weatherstrip would go back on nicely without having to notch it around bolts or what have you. Note the bracing I referred to earlier. Without it there’s a very good chance that you’ll bend the weatherstrip flange with repeated use.

The location was determined by a little trial and error experimenting with compressed and extended lengths.

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The plug adjacent to the ball stud on the lid side is so that you can access the backside and bolt the ball stud in place without having to weld it on.

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The shocks are 60 lb and work great for holding it up without any issues. If you have a spoiler mounted to the trunk lid however, you’re going to have to up the lb rating a bit to compensate for the additional weight.

Not saying this is the way it has to be done, but it’s what worked for me.

Nicely done

 

[464ChillerTech]

The extended length is just a hair over 18” at 18.15, and the compressed length is 11.80”. I know this to be exact because those are the dimensions directly from the supplier I got them from on Amazon.

I’m hesitant to give you the part number I used though, because mine are in the 100lb range to support the weight of my trunk lid and the fibreglass spoiler that’s on it. As it is, 100lb is a little stronger than what I really need, but I couldn’t find anything available in the 85lb(ish) range. You’re going to have to rough guesstimate the weight of your trunk to know what weight shock to order.

The manufacturer I used was A-Premium. Hope this helps.

Rktpwrd That helps out a lot! Saves me a lot of time and guesswork. I don’t have plans to run a spoiler but I was thinking a shock on both sides would be a good idea so 100 lb shocks would sure be too much. Thank you very much

 

[Flyers9928]

Rktpwrd That helps out a lot! Saves me a lot of time and guesswork. I don’t have plans to run a spoiler but I was thinking a shock on both sides would be a good idea so 100 lb shocks would sure be too much. Thank you very much

Here ya go - Part #'s, compressed and extended lengths, and strength. This is the strong arm line we carry at my work.

 

[464ChillerTech]

Here ya go - Part #'s, compressed and extended lengths, and strength. This is the strong arm line we carry at my work. View attachment 210509

Thank you for sharing. I’ll look into these