Since there are virtually no threads on lift supports that I could find, I just thought I would add here....

The lift supports on my 2K GLE failed, and I got tired of holding the hood up with a broomstick. So I bought a pair of StrongArm 4161 from Amazon (~$17 each, shipped). These are direct replacements for those on the Max.

The packaging was kind of confusing, as they show about 6 different ball and joint systems. Pay no attention to the packaging. The "band release" that comes standard on the StrongArm supports is the exact type used on the stock 2K Maxima lift supports. You simply pop the old supports off and put the new supports on.

Removal is VERY easy. With a flat blade screwdriver, pry up the band enough to allow the socket on the end of the support to be pulled off of the ball that is attached to the car. There is no need to remove the band... just pry it up a little to pull the band from around the ball, and it will release from the ball easily.

Installation is similar. Pry up the band a little on the new lift supports to allow the socket to popped back on the ball.

The entire procedure (swap two lift supports) can be completed with a flat blade screwdriver in under two minutes.


The new supports seem to work well. I lifted the hood about halfway up and the lifts did the rest. It seems like a decent replacement.

i was going to get mine from the groupbuy section, but this sounds cheaper. no pics?

Group buy prices aren't that great. I just picked up a set last week from RockAuto.com for about $15/each for Monroe. Install was easy - 5 min job, but I used needle nose pliers.

LINK

They're hood struts... all look the same.

Something which has always intrigued me. When there is no tension on the hood struts, how far do they open up? Don't you have to push them in before you could install them? If so, don't you need to apply lot of force?

- Vikas

they come fully extended. you need to prop/hold the hood up to install.

Yep. Their website claims that they are not intended to be compressed by hand, and that it would be very difficult. I did not try.

I tried and it's extremely difficult.....I used JcWhitney units on my 3rd Gen......

OK, now it makes sense. I used to think that without the load of the hood, the struts would extend even higher and they would need to compressed before installing but now I understand that the struts have an internal stop at the exact necessary distance.