911 front hood struts

[ptreecars]

OK I have received the replacement struts now it should be simple but how to install them. The top is easy enough but the bottom is not only hard to get at but how to release? If one preys off will the spring lock release? I would welcome any suggestions. By the way I have a 1998 993 Targa
Thanks
Ed

[RSTarga]

If you push the hood up to take pressure off the bottom pin it is a bit easier. Use a pair of long nose surgical clamps to hang on to the clip. I assume this setup is about the same as a 911.

[Kidasters]

993's are the same but not.

Like RSTarga said - pull the clip off. Push the pin out. Install is the opposite of removal. On the 993 - there is even less room than an older 911 because of the way they changed the HVAC stuff (fans and A/C evaporator moved up there, and deletion of the smuggler's box).

small hands help.

Have fun.

Ken

[Joe Bob]

Forceps, dental floss, leave the bottom clip off...pick one.

[djcdmv]

If it's anything like my '85, I just replace the one that's easy to get to. It holds it up just fine, and if it wears out more quickly, I have a spare one to put in that only takes 2 minutes.

[Wil Ferch]

Driver's side bottom is a bear to get to...but you can insert the pin there but no worries about not having access for that pin's clip....not necessary. With the hood open or closed there is enough pressure on the pin to always hold it in place.

Depending upon one shock to hold up the hood can be a bit dangerous...as it may end up tweeking the alignment of the hood / hinges...even if it CAN hold up the hood. Both sides with dead shocks or both side working shocks is OK....but not one side good and one side bad.

[80-911SC]

easy answer ........ two words ........... Hood prop

go fancy and try carbon fiber ........ realistically how often are you in the hood ???

[djcdmv]

Originally Posted by Wil Ferch

Depending upon one shock to hold up the hood can be a bit dangerous...as it may end up tweeking the alignment of the hood / hinges...even if it CAN hold up the hood. Both sides with dead shocks or both side working shocks is OK....but not one side good and one side bad.

Thanks... will put my new "spare" on this weekend.

[Wil Ferch]

Dave....you'll be glad you did. One shock "good" and one shock "bad" wouldn't be such a big deal if the attachment points of the shocks (lid side) weren't so close to the hinge-point.....requiring very powerful (lift force) shocks. If the shocks were real long...and attached somewhere mid-length of the trunk lid....then a "full strength" shock would not need to be so strong...and the disparity of new and dead shocks would not play so strongly. As it is, one bad with one good can actually move the height alignment of the hinge, in the current configuration.