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How do I replace rear hatch lift struts?

Red97XJ

NAXJA Forum User
Location
Northern Indiana
Title of thread says it all.

After you explain how to change em, Where can I buy them? I have a 97 and they don't work in the cold unless I cycle them up and down a bunch to warm em up. Tired of using my head to hold hatch up.

Thanks
Jason
 
Dealership or autoparts stores have them. They have these little ball joint type things they hang on and are retained by these tiny clips that you pull out. Look carefully at it and it becomes more obvious. Grease (joint) before installing.
 
(1) Open the liftgate.
(2) Support the liftgate in the open position.
(3) Remove the clip attaching the support rod to
the ball stud.
(4) Disconnect the support rod from the ball stud.
(5) Remove the bolts attaching the support rod to
the liftgate (Fig. 89).
(6) Separate the support rod from the liftgate.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the support rod on the liftgate.
(2) Install the bolts attaching the support rod to
the liftgate.
(3) Connect the support rod to the ball stud.
(4) Secure the support rod to the ball stud with
the retainer clip.
(5) Remove the support from the liftgate.
LIFTGATE SUPPORT ROD BALL STUD
REMOVAL
(1) Open the liftgate.
(2) Support the liftgate in the open position.
(3) Remove the retainer clip attaching the support
rod to the ball stud.
(4) Disconnect the support rod from the ball stud.
(5) Remove the ball stud.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the replacement ball stud.
(2) Connect the support rod to the ball stud.
(3) Secure the support rod to the ball stud with
the clip.
(4) Remove the support from the liftgate.
 
Just did that on my 92...combined time for both was 5 minutes...you wont have an easier job on an XJ
 
Red97XJ said:
sweet, I assumed that the mount stayed on jeep... not that it came with the new strut!

Thanks,
Jason

I just installed new struts on my 97's hatch a month ago. It wasn't a bad job...definately worth every penny. It's great not getting hit in the head with the hatch :).
 
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