
Navigating the Jeep YJ’s Impact on Off-Roading Culture
In production from 1986 to 1995, the Jeep YJ is the first generation of the Jeep Wrangler series. It succeeds the earlier Jeep CJ (Civilian
Here’s another great Fraser Engine Co. DIY (Do It Yourself) tip about changing the gas-filled struts that help to open and hold your hood, rear hatch, rear window, and trunk from slamming down on you.
The struts we’re talking about are gas-filled (usually Nitrogen), pistons, similar to shock absorbers, but these types of struts provide lift assistance and are tuned to keep the attached item suspended until closed manually.
Unfortunately, dirt and excessive heat can cause Nitrogen to leak from a gas-strut eventually causing failure.
If your hood or hatch doesn’t stay open during cold weather, it’s time to replace the struts. Nitrogen gets thinner in cold weather, and if it’s leaking from your struts, the reduction will cause this weakened behavior in cold weather but may possibly still operate normally during the following warm season. Be aware though, you should certainly replace them at the first sign of failure because the following cold season, they could fail completely.
Lift-support struts are available at any auto store. They come in two flavors, hood and tailgate. Be aware that tailgate struts are usually more expensive because of their length and the increased materials needed to make them.
If you’re not handy, just have the exact make and model of your vehicle and the part-store associate should be able to find the right item.
If you ARE handy, remove one strut and bring it to the store with you. Often there are different “grades” of struts capable of lifting different loads. A good practice is to get a strut that has a little stronger lift capacity (up to 30%) while being the same length. (Take a look at the Striker Engineering Hood Strut example photo to the LEFT.) The only caveat comes into play if you have a motor-controlled tailgate. We recommend having a professional do any work on this type of vehicle mechanism.
Making a quality choice at an auto-parts store will be limited, but ordering your “beefier” strut online is a breeze.
You don’t “need” to replace both, but it’s good practice. If you know, without a doubt, that only one strut is failing, you can do a single replacement.
For detailed instructions on how to perform a replacement, we would refer you to YourMechanic.com’s how-to article.
Special thanks to Striker Engineering for the photos used in this article.
In production from 1986 to 1995, the Jeep YJ is the first generation of the Jeep Wrangler series. It succeeds the earlier Jeep CJ (Civilian
Part Three of a Three-Part Series Gone are the sweeping, curvy lines. In bounces the Tumbler Introducing The Tumbler Gone are the sweeping curves of
Issue 26 • Engine & Transmission Tips Stop squinting when you’re driving at night… Do you wish you had those cool blueish, super-bright headlights, instead
Issue 16 • Engine & Transmission Tip If you’re now asking yourself: “My car has air filters?” You’re in the right place. Probably one of
The Ford F-Series, a symbol of American automotive heritage, has been a staple on roads and worksites for over 70 years. With a rich history
Issue 18 • Engine & Transmission Tip You Can Restore And Protect Your Hazy Headlights Yourself Here is a DIY (do it yourself) project that