Rear hatch struts 2001 GTS

[capevettes]

My rear hatch struts are no longer holding. I know this is a fairly common problem. Who has the best replacements? I see many different companies that offer them. I see them on E-Bay, Forum sponsors, Amazon. Prices and I assume quality varies. I would like an accurate replacement that works. Are the dealers still stocking the OEM units?

Where have guys that have replaced yours purchased them?

Thanks,

Paul

[Boosted Motorsports]

Mine are toast also. I was going to take a gamble on these at some point
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Qt2-4250-Hat...BXe~50&vxp=mtr

[capevettes]

Mine are toast also. I was going to take a gamble on these at some point
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Qt2-4250-Hat...BXe~50&vxp=mtr

Yes, I did see those but figured I would get some feedback from that that already replaced them. I'm sure anything would work better than my originals.

[AZTVR]

I replaced mine with OEM. My concern about using aftermarket ones was that maybe they would be too strong or too weak. The too strong scenario made me nervous, considering having read about hatch glass hinge glue separation which has been posted occasionally.

[ViperRyan]

When Cory Gehling came over to my house to check out my Viper, one thing he said was to always store the Viper with the rear hatch open/not latched shut.

He said he has seen many situations where the pressure of it closed and slight temperature change etc. had actually shattered the rear window instead of the separation.

Curious if anyone has heard of this or had it happen. Needless to say, after that I unlatched the rear hatch and just set it down as far as it would go without latching and then covered the car.

[Boosted Motorsports]

When Cory Gehling came over to my house to check out my Viper, one thing he said was to always store the Viper with the rear hatch open/not latched shut.

He said he has seen many situations where the pressure of it closed and slight temperature change etc. had actually shattered the rear window instead of the separation.

Curious if anyone has heard of this or had it happen. Needless to say, after that I unlatched the rear hatch and just set it down as far as it would go without latching and then covered the car.

I did that once, cost me a new battery when that stupid little peanut bulb in the trunk drained it in a matter of a few days! Make sure you disconnect your battery or you take out the bulb in the trunk. Without the latch fully locked the trunk light stays on

[98RedGTS]

That makes no sense as balancing pressure is one of the main functions of those vents in your hatch. If those are bad, maybe, but it would have to be pretty rapid pressure change to happen while in storage. The pressure would be much higher when you are parked in a parking lot on a hot summer day.

Not to mention the added risk of critters getting into the car by leaving a very large opening to the car. I guess that could be true but I just don't see that being a problem. GenV's have had issues like that but that is a completely different reason to the problem.

[Matt M, Pa]

I too just got the factory replacements.....

[Camfab]

I did mine a few years back, used OEM from the dealer. I've open the back hatch maybe once a year and they are almost toast.......
With the horror stories of delamination, I'd rather they be on the weak side.

[capevettes]

I replaced mine with OEM. My concern about using aftermarket ones was that maybe they would be too strong or too weak. The too strong scenario made me nervous, considering having read about hatch glass hinge glue separation which has been posted occasionally.

How are your OEM replacements working out? How long have you had them on?

[capevettes]

I did mine a few years back, used OEM from the dealer. I've open the back hatch maybe once a year and they are almost toast.......
With the horror stories of delamination, I'd rather they be on the weak side.

So the OEM's failed just like your originals? So how do I determine which ones are on the weak side, the OEM's or the E-Bay type replacements? If the OEM replacements aren't going to work, I might as well get the cheap ones and hope they don't cause an issue.

- - - Updated - - -

I too just got the factory replacements.....

Do they work still?

[pastohio]

Call JonB he knows all

[capevettes]

Call JonB he knows all

I did look on the Parts Rack site and they do not list the rear hatch struts??? Maybe I'll just give him a call.

[Camfab]

Honestly I'd personally stick with what comes from the dealer, unless you know for a fact that the aftermarket ones are correct in pressure. Mine need coaxing to lift up but they still hold the hatch in place once open. The rear glass I believe is still available but who knows how much longer. My only point was they certainly don't last very long.

[AZTVR]

I did look on the Parts Rack site and they do not list the rear hatch struts??? Maybe I'll just give him a call.

1996 - 2002 Dodge Viper GTS Rear Glass Prop - 04763387AB

How are your OEM replacements working out? How long have you had them on?

I don't remember when I installed them. I would expect that they would probably last as long as the originals; but, who knows whether the replacements are even made by the same manufacturer.

[Bill Pemberton]

Check with Mark Jorgensen ( Woodhouse Motorsports , Mark.Jorgensen@woodhouse.com ) as I know we have replaced a bunch over the years and pretty sure he gets OEM?

[capevettes]

1996 - 2002 Dodge Viper GTS Rear Glass Prop - 04763387AB


I don't remember when I installed them. I would expect that they would probably last as long as the originals; but, who knows whether the replacements are even made by the same manufacturer.

Thanks for the link. I guess I'll get these and stay OEM.

- - - Updated - - -

Check with Mark Jorgensen ( Woodhouse Motorsports , Mark.Jorgensen@woodhouse.com ) as I know we have replaced a bunch over the years and pretty sure he gets OEM?

Thanks Bill. I guess I'll just go with the OEM.

[capevettes]

Check with Mark Jorgensen ( Woodhouse Motorsports , Mark.Jorgensen@woodhouse.com ) as I know we have replaced a bunch over the years and pretty sure he gets OEM?

Thanks Bill. I guess I'll just go with the OEM.

- - - Updated - - -

Honestly I'd personally stick with what comes from the dealer, unless you know for a fact that the aftermarket ones are correct in pressure. Mine need coaxing to lift up but they still hold the hatch in place once open. The rear glass I believe is still available but who knows how much longer. My only point was they certainly don't last very long.

You're right. I just ordered OEM's.

[Matt M, Pa]

I replaced mine many years ago with factory......they finally gave up so I just got another pair from the dealer. I bought my car new....so I can't complain about 2 sets in 17 years...

[slitherv10]

I got a pair of aftermarket ones 2 years ago and they are perfect. Better than OEM...i will get into the garage tomorrow and let you know the make and models

[MH60M]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/291811491762...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT


I have these installed. They work great so far. They're a bit strong though.....maybe just new. I pull the lever and the glass opens like it should.

[capevettes]

Guys, Thanks for all the responses. I did order the OEM's from Jon B. Probably won't last any longer than the originals but I did not want to roll the dice on repros and risk having issues with the glass.

[capevettes]

I put the OEM's in yesterday. Took about 10 minutes. The hatch works as good as new. Finally I don't have to hold the glass up when I put things in the rear.

[heath1225]

I may not remember this correctly, but I am pretty sure I picked mine up at Autozone. They seem to work fine.

[pastohio]

a seller on Ebay is "Mike" 509-961-5273 he sells all kinds of hydraulic lifts, I have bought many different types and sizes from him, knows his stuff and at a good price, I bought small lifts for my tool box lid, lifts for the kids toy boxes, all work well..