Close



Results 1 to 7 of 7
  1. #1
    FEP Power Member Saturn V's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    Houston, TX
    Posts
    1,289

    Default 84 Mustang GT hatch hard to open with struts

    Sometime around 2011 I bought new hatch struts ... I have forgotten the source. My 84 GT hatch has the rear spoiler and louvers, so it is heavy. The struts never did a good job ... I have to lift with considerable force, working against the struts, to get the hatch open, though the struts do keep the hatch open OK. Is this normal? If I buy a new pair, don't want the get the same performance.
    Present: '84.5 Mustang GT T-top, '06 Mazdaspeed6
    Past: '79 5.0 Capri, '86 Buick GN, '90 Mustang GT, '92 SHO, '95 SHO
    Browse cover pages of my Fox Chassis related library

  2. #2
    FEP Power Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    San Mateo, CA
    Posts
    2,271

    Default

    There is normally resistance in both directions. The typical failure is lack of extended force. Can’t say if new ones would help. It’s been a long time since I have worked with new ones.
    Fox Body/3rd Gen MCA Gold Card Judge
    84 SVO 24K miles, 85 Mclaren Capri Vert. 84 GT Turbo Vert.
    88 Mclaren Mustang Vert 20K miles, 89 Mustang LX Sport Vert,
    03 Mach 1 7900 miles, 74 Mustang II, 69 Mustang, 67 Mustang, 07 GT500,
    14 Mustang CS/GT, 15 F150 FTX Tuscany, 16 F250 Crewcab, 67 Tbird 47K miles

  3. #3
    FEP Super Member gr79's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    SE Michigan
    Posts
    5,141

    Default

    Replaced hatch struts 8/2016. Factory 3 piece spoiler.
    Normal is pulling hatch up a few inches, then struts take over with a solid firm stop.
    Raising effort to that point is similar to hood.

    Closing is pulling down to about couple inches height, then letting hatch drop and latch.
    Pulling hatch down from full open is about the same effort as pushing down to latch a hood resting on the safety catch.
    Very similar to overall hood closing procedures, especially if hood struts are installed.

    Sachs SG304003 Rock Auto. Went with Sachs after noticing, at a pic a part, the brand is common on later model Fords.
    Last edited by gr79; 05-01-2019 at 02:39 PM.

  4. #4
    FEP Power Member Saturn V's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    Houston, TX
    Posts
    1,289

    Default

    Thanks for the comments. gr79, the part that you mentioned is for hatch without spoiler. But I really appreciate your tip ... I ordered two SG314001 (with spoiler) for $23.15 shipped from Rock Auto. That was cheaper than Amazon for the same parts and cheaper than LMR, too. I’ll see if the new struts are any better.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Present: '84.5 Mustang GT T-top, '06 Mazdaspeed6
    Past: '79 5.0 Capri, '86 Buick GN, '90 Mustang GT, '92 SHO, '95 SHO
    Browse cover pages of my Fox Chassis related library

  5. #5
    FEP Super Member gr79's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    SE Michigan
    Posts
    5,141

    Default

    Yes when i was shopping, apps were not consistent between brands and lacked specs to compare.
    Oddly RA 1979 listing is SG304003 79-93 with spoiler, SG304007 without.
    Then in 1984 the 003 is downgraded for without spoiler.
    Added new number SG314001 for 1983-93 with spoiler.
    Guess is later one piece spoilers are heavier then the 3 pc Pace Car spoiler i have.
    If so, should work even better with the 3 pc.
    past owned daily driven many memorable times with all
    1967 Mustang 'verti Sports Sprint 289 Holley 4vC4 2.79 lime gold blk vinyl (6/70-4/73) 100k
    1970 VW 113 Beetle modded 1650 5200 2v 4sp Hurst 4.13 grn blk leathette (1973-1977) 200k
    1975 VW 1303 S Beetle LaGrande 1600 EFI 4sp Hurst 3.88 lime grn tan cloth (1977-1980) 90k
    1985 LTD LX 5.0 CFI HO AOD 3.27 gray gray (1987-1990) 75k
    1986 Ranger XL 2wd 7' bed 114 wb 2.3 EFI 5 sp 3.45 gray burgundy cloth (1990-1994) 180k
    current owned now weekly driven totally enjoyed
    1979 Mustang Cobra 61R 2.3T Holley 2305 2v '92 T5 Hurst 3.45 black orange decals (7/80- )
    1993 Ranger XLT R103 2wd 7' bed 114 wb 2.3 EFI 5sp Hurst 3.45 calypso green gray (3/94- )

  6. #6
    FEP Power Member Saturn V's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    Houston, TX
    Posts
    1,289

    Default

    gr79, thanks again for the tip. These are labeled Stabilus Lift-O-Mat, SG314001. After installing, I now only need to lift the hatch a couple of inches and then the lift supports do the rest ... much better! By the way, is there a way to remove the old supports and install new ones without taking out the little triangular-shaped bracket on the body? I could never pop the olds ones off without removing this bracket.

    Last edited by Saturn V; 05-01-2019 at 03:39 PM. Reason: fixed link
    Present: '84.5 Mustang GT T-top, '06 Mazdaspeed6
    Past: '79 5.0 Capri, '86 Buick GN, '90 Mustang GT, '92 SHO, '95 SHO
    Browse cover pages of my Fox Chassis related library

  7. #7
    FEP Super Member gr79's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    SE Michigan
    Posts
    5,141

    Default

    Always glad to share and help. May not be accurate or clearly worded but i try.
    Good video followup on repair. That is exactly how mine are working too.

    A small screwdriver to pry the safety clip off, a long heavy duty screwdriver to pry strut off ball.
    http://knowhow.napaonline.com/how-to...support-strut/

    New struts beat using a baseball bat to hold the hatch up. Or hood prop rods on the hood.
    Luv my Redline hood struts. Have them on the Mustang and Ranger. Same action as hatch.
    Last edited by gr79; 05-01-2019 at 07:54 PM.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •