How to install/replace Foxbody hatch supports?

[PonyBoy90]

As the title states, I just purchased a pair of hatch supports for my 1990 Foxbody and need info on how exactly I should go about swapping out my old for the new. I don't want to fiddle with these things and accidentally break'em as a result.

Also, is it normal that I can't get my new ones to "collapse" before they are installed? I pulled one of them out of the plastic wrapper and tried to simulate them collapsing as if they were on my hatch and they won't budge.

Thanks

 

[wazazzle]

dude your not going to be able to simulate the open/closing of the hatch by yourself that thing weight a ton. if you ARE able to the thing isn't going to be able to hold the hatch up. once it's installed they will work fine. when i did mine i couldn't get the fkr off been on there so long. you have to use a crow bar to pull'em off. the hatch has a little ball (like a little tow hitch) and once you pull the top off - the bottom will come right off. then all you have to do is pop on the new ones and presto. installing is easy getting them off is a lil harder.

 

[LX302]

Right, you have to remove the clip with a screwdriver and the top end is a ball/socket connection.
Just make sure you have a friend or a good 2x4 to hold the hatch up when you remove them. Doing one at a time makes it a little easier, but I'd still use a support.

 

[5spd GT]

Yeah I couldn't get mine to collapse outside of them being installed.

You have to remove the little clips that hold on the supports with a flathead screwdriver.

The ones on the top section were easy for the supports to remove and install.

The ones that connect to the body of the car are harder due to the lack of room but I just kept prying it in there by hand and it went in...

I tried some 50resto.com hatch supports and they failed within 2-3 days and I bought some from Autozone and they have been going strong for months now...

I would use the 2x4 idea to hold up the hatch. I just used my shoulder as I changed them out

 

[PonyBoy90]

By removing the clips, you guys don't been prying the c-clip right off the support do you? I was thinking more like prying back the clip teeth inside the slot of the support just enough to pop these things off right?

I guess it won't matter if I ruin the ones on while taking them off as the things are junk anyways. I'm going to have someone help support the hatch while I take these things off and replace them one at a time and I don't want to waste their time while I try figuring this stuff out.

Thanks again guys.

 

[5spd GT]

I pull the clip out completely...or you can just pull out the clips from the back just a bit (to release the "teeth tension") without completely removing the teeth. That method might be better for you.

But if your doing this to your old ones...I would just pull the clips right on out all the way.

Good Luck!

 

[srothfuss]

Don't forget the BMFH

 

[PonyBoy90]

Don't forget the BMFH

What's BMFH?

 

[srothfuss]

What's BMFH?

I am glad that you asked.

Big Mother &^(&!%$ Hammer

 

[Saleen0679]

When you remove the old supports it's easier just to remove the clips. Just make sure no one is in the flight path just in case one wants to take off on you. When you install the new supports I found it easier to loosen the clip rather than remove it. This way once you get the ball and socket together you can immediately snap the clip on with your thumb rather than fiddle with the clip.

On a safety side note since you're going to have a helper to hold the hatch make sure they are aware of the substantial weight increase they will experience when you remove the old support. Remember, the old supports weren't doing much to hold the hatch up anyway. You don't want any body parts in the way if that thing comes down

 

[Shakerhood]

dude your not going to be able to simulate the open/closing of the hatch by yourself that thing weight a ton. if you ARE able to the thing isn't going to be able to hold the hatch up. once it's installed they will work fine. when i did mine i couldn't get the fkr off been on there so long. you have to use a crow bar to pull'em off. the hatch has a little ball (like a little tow hitch) and once you pull the top off - the bottom will come right off. then all you have to do is pop on the new ones and presto. installing is easy getting them off is a lil harder.

I just undid the screws that hold that bracket onto the body and it was alot easier.

 

[87TTopGT]

I just undid the screws that hold that bracket onto the body and it was alot easier.

 

[5spd GT]

I just undid the screws that hold that bracket onto the body and it was alot easier.

Yep...that is what I did the second time around...much easier...but I had the hatch on my shoulder during all that...lol. Could have been easier I guess

 

[Shakerhood]

Yep...that is what I did the second time around...much easier...but I had the hatch on my shoulder during all that...lol. Could have been easier I guess

That could not have been much fun as that hatch get heavy after a few minutes!

 

[PonyBoy90]

Guys, Thanks to all of you who responded to my question.

Yesterday afternoon I found some time and did the swap.

The swap was real real easy I don't believe that the supports on the hatch were the originals either. From what I've heard from some of the posters here, the originals are difficult to take off which was not the case with these ones. Even the end connected to the body was real easy to remove, no scratched paint either.

Anyways, the whole swap took 10 minutes and the difference is incredible. In fact these supports are so strong that when the hatch comes to being mid open, the gas in the supports takes over and slowly opens the hatch on it's own power!

Oh, and the person who helped hold the hatch while I swapped each side one at a time was my 61 year old mother

Thanks again guys.

 

[p.exeter_bleu]

where did you guys order your quality supports from? ive been looking to get some but i want to stay clear of the 50resto quality ones.

 

[PonyBoy90]

I bought a pair of the 50resto ones and they work just fine. Had them almost a year now.

In September I bought the Redline Quicklifts for my foxbody and they work awesome. No more prop-rod

I checked Redlines website and they sell the hatch supports also.

I bet the Redline hatch supports are the BEST on the market.

 

[RUNINAGT]

I Just Got Some Today For My Wife's 2001 Lhs. This Is Gonna Be Fun Tonight Installing These Things. I'll Make My 10 Yr Old Stand In The Trunk And Keep It Held Open. I'll See How Heavy It Is 1st. Should Be Much Lighter Than My Stang. No Glass. Wish Me Luck.
Had To Post This Because The Support Shocks Are Right Next To Me. Lol

 

[Shakerhood]

I just undid the screws that hold that bracket onto the body and it was alot easier.

Thats how I did mine too, although I held the hatch up and my buddy did the swap. I think I ended up on the short end of the deal as that hatch got heavy after a while, LOL!