[Jimmer]

I replaced the lift-gate struts on my 1998 GC yesterday. It was a very easy 15-minute job.

I used Mopar genuine parts. On the parts packages, the lift-gate struts are called “LIFTGATE SUPPORTS”. Since there are left and right parts, the part numbers are G0004856AC and G0004857AC. They cost $36.10 each plus tax at the dealership. There are instructions on the back of the packages, but I didn’t notice them until just now.

The bolts on the top of the support use a T-8 External Torx socket. I had trouble finding a set of these in my town, but I did find them at NAPA for about $20. They are ¼” drive and I used a 3” extension on my wrench.

I used a push broom to prop up the lift-gate while I removed the first strut. Something a little longer, such as a 2X4 or stepladder, might have been better to use. You will want to lift up on the gate a little to remove the tension on the bolts as you are removing them.

After the top bolts are removed, use a little screwdriver to pry the ball connector clip out about a ¼” to release the bottom of the strut from the ball connector on the vehicle.

For installing the new strut, I put the bolts in on the top of the strut first (to keep the tension off of the bolts). In retrospect, I think I should have disconnected the ball connector first when I removed the old one, to help relieve the tension off the bolts. If you don’t get the tension off the bolts, there is a possibility of cross-threading them. You don’t even want to cross-thread the bolts! After getting the bolts in, just pry the clip out about ¼” on the ball connector and press it on to the ball.

I thought that one new strut would hold up the lift-gate adequately while I removed and replaced the other side. This didn’t work for me, so I had to again use the push broom handle to keep the lift-gate up.

The great result is that the lift-gate actually goes up automatically after opening it about halfway! It is now working just like it did when it was new. I wish I had done this about three years ago.

[nashmd454]

Thank You Jimmer for that write up. Very nice and informative...only thing else it would need is pics...believe me...there are people on this forum who cannot read (not illerterate) and need pics to go with what you just said.

[TAftw]

Thank you, that was very informative and helpful, as I have to replace the lift gate Struts on my 94 GC.

[subliminal]

Just a hint for everyone, the struts are like $24 at advance auto parts

[Texas ZJ1]

Hey,

check page 3 of the faqs, I made you famous.

Hunter

[stevemack]

Thanks for the excellent write up. I pulled it off in 1/2 an hour so I was a little slower than you were.

I couldn't find a T-8 Torx Socket when I went to Pep Boys so I bought the E-8 Torx Socket and it worked perfectly. I even took it back after I was done with it and got a full refund.

I'm so happy I don't have to hold up my liftgate with one hand as I pull out my surfboard with the other anymore. Thanks once again.

Stephen

[ArloGuthroJeep]

Originally Posted by stevemack

I couldn't find a T-8 Torx Socket when I went to Pep Boys so I bought the E-8 Torx Socket and it worked perfectly. I even took it back after I was done with it and got a full refund.

Stephen

Wow, way to screw over the company by using something and then returning it! Way to show how you have no morals or principals.

[Jeeples]

Originally Posted by ArloGuthroJeep

Wow, way to screw over the company by using something and then returning it! Way to show how you have no morals or principals.

x2


I hope you need that tool again someday and that they will be out of stock when you return.

[cologc46]

If you go aftermarket... Struts at Autozone were rather generic and had a funky linkage at the top which was loose and looked like it would rattle. I took those back and went to Advanced (on suggestion of my brother who just did his). The struts I got at Advanced had a properly designed knuckle at the top and have been working perfect for a year on my 94 ZJ. If you go with aftermarket, get ones that are designed for a GC of your model year, rather than generics. My 2 cents worth. YMMV.

[georged]

Originally Posted by ArloGuthroJeep

Wow, way to screw over the company by using something and then returning it! Way to show how you have no morals or principals.

If you that taking a tool back for a refund after using it, here us what a female friend did:
She bought a party dress and carefully removed the tags so she could replace them and return the dress after wearing it.

[jej1216]

What a great thread!

I have never replaced the lifters before, and after reading this thread, we did it in a matter of minutes.

Thanks,

jej1216

[codewhite]

x2 on the auto zone struts, i replaced mine with those a little over a year ago and they stopped working properly after about six months. They are a little cheaper, but definitely not worth the saved money.

[compcrasher86]

so it seems autozone struts are a no-go. Now the question is: is it worth it to by dealer direct replacement parts or will the Advanced Auto parts one do fine? I have all three stores within a 20 minute driving distance so its a matter of money vs. value. If the dealer struts are higher quality than the AAP ones I will be willing to pay the extra $10


oh and congrats on the faq fame at only 51 posts. I wish I got that kind of fame hahahah

[colinzj]

Originally Posted by Jimmer

The bolts on the top of the support use a T-8 External Torx socket. I had trouble finding a set of these in my town, but I did find them at NAPA for about $20. They are ¼” drive and I used a 3” extension on my wrench.

SAE 1/4 inch socket works fine on some/all model years despite the Torx bolt.

I think it was 1/4 anyway... been a while.

[cologc46]

Following up on my post on this thread quite a while ago. I bought a pair from Advanced Auto, and those are still working great. I have had them on for more than a year, probably 18 months now. Hopefully, Advanced is still carrying these same struts.