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1996 generator suspa struts Install

February 27, 2019, 02:04:32 pm

Hello again,
I removed both original suspa 135 pound struts to try and push test them.  I've reattached both on the,sturdier bottom brackets. When I have neighbor hold up heavy door, I need another inch to slip upper rod over pin.
Maybe I mixed up strut positions? I'm placing larger, wider cylinder on top. Any ideas.
Don't want to rig up bottle back to pushdown strut under wiper bracket.
I doubt new struts come compressed.
Maybe there's another moving brace bar I disconnect?

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Re: 1996 generator suspa struts Install

Reply #1 – February 27, 2019, 02:20:14 pm

Yes, they are installed with body UP with it's larger diameter/piston DOWN.  That keeps the seal lubricated.

You may have to use a rope or strap to hold them in the compressed/semi-compressed position for installation.

Same as installing gas shocks.

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Re: 1996 generator suspa struts Install

Reply #2 – February 27, 2019, 02:43:15 pm

Thanks Bret,
I do have the larger cylinder body on top.
Saw on Barry's site about quick grip clamps or ratcheting clamp.

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Re: 1996 generator suspa struts Install

Reply #3 – March 05, 2019, 01:26:37 pm

Got the 135lb suspa struts installed. Suspa number is still good.  C16-08376. FOT,and Amazon both were $25 for 2. But prime shipping swayed me from FOT. 3/4" harbor freight pipe clamps,and 30" Lowes galvanized pipe.
2 handy Canadian rv neighbors helped to hold heavy genset door .
Oh yeah,dimpled the pipe clamps to hold struts, and Safety Glasses a must.

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Re: 1996 generator suspa struts Install

Reply #4 – June 30, 2025, 10:15:14 pm

This is an old thread but I thought I would add my question here as opposed to starting a new one.  I have the Suspa 135 pound gas struts on my generator door.  Does anyone have lighter struts on theirs?  Mine work fine to lift the door but they seem way to powerful and it's very difficult to pull the generator door down to close and latch it.  I was thinking a pair of 100 pound struts might serve me better?

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