Tailgate strut

As my Previous message said I just measured a gas strut on a Vitara in the Suzuki show room, checked the length (51cm) and got it from the spares department. It’s about 2cm longer than the Jimny one as I recall but otherwise the same

For anyone interested in the SGS gear, here's the parts North West Overlander fitted (with the addition of a locking strut cover giving you the ability to lock out the gas strut during high winds/inclines. This is optional)

Total extended length of the strut is 450mm, with the addition of 2 x ball joints (25mm in length) that gives an overall length of 500mm

They also sell the same gas strut in an adjustable format, ideal for those with heavier tyres fitted to the rear door. The OE Strut is rated at 280N, so this is the eject force you should request when adding the strut to your basket. Or as above, buy an adjustable one so that you can tailor it to your requirement (additional load to your boot door, storage & MT tyre).

source OE specs: www.buycarparts.co.uk/stabilus/15259155

**UPDATE** I've just ordered the following:

I found this was the most cost effective design, giving me a 512mm long strut when fully extended, the original Strut is 480mm. I went for a 300N Strut which is very slightly uprated in comparison to the OE unit (280N). But for belt and braces I also purchased the optional safety lock out tube (£15). This is because I have a dog, I'll now have the ability to lock the door open in high winds or when parked on a steep incline.

I'll post some photo's once it's been installed.

just in time! i was just about to push the button on the other one. I'll await your report.

Bill, the Gas Strut locking tube was defective, Part of my locking safety tube was missing, SGS assemble the parts for you so I have to return the entire thing. I think I was sent a faulty unit, currently in the process of getting a refund through SGS, I didn't get a chance to install it

I'll keep you posted once I return & purchase a more appropriate unit, I must say I'm not that enamoured with the SGS quality may look elsewhere for the next attempt. I was attracted to their option because of the safety locking tube, I thought that would be a smart addition.

UPDATE:

The gas strut GS8-18-210-270 from SGS is a direct swap. Charged to 300N it opens nicely without being dangerous (I personally wouldn't want to risk a more powerful strut).

However I've got several issues. Firstly the strut SGS sent me came with a defective saftey locking tube. Secondly with the locking tube fitted it reduces the stroke of the strut by approximately 20mm causing it to bottom out when you attempt to close the door.

The compressed length of shock required from vehicle ball joint centres is 305mm therefore both OE and the above SGS strut are compatible without the locking safety tube fitted. (Bummer for me because I was attracted to the concept of a locking strut).

My third and final issue is the deal breaker. The OE strut fully extended is 480mm. To open the door parallel with the side of the vehicle the gas strut needs to be a minimum of 500mm (ball joint centres). Sadly after 490mm of the door opening the electrical harness coming from the rear of the cabin to the rear door becomes uncomfortably tight. I don't personally want to risk fatiguing these cables after 100's of door operations. They're nice and relaxed with he OE strut fully extended.

So in summary, yes you can order the same strut that I've specified above in my order confirmation and it'll give you great access to the rear of your JIM. You cannot match it with a safety locking tube because it will reduce the stroke of the strut and you'll bottom it out. But carry out this upgrade at your own risk, the rear electrical harness could become compromised after years of opening and closing.

I'll be returning my strut and getting a refund. I may consider a 480mm replacement in the future with a bit more ejection power, but that's it. I'll live with the lack of full opening. There may be a harness clipping point inside the rear door that can be relaxed you give you a bit more cable slack, but at the moment I'm not prepared to investigate any further.

Sorry for the essay, but I hope this helps others out there make an informed decision! Sadly this wasn't mentioned by North West Overlander.