How to install trunk lifts.

Post by **dosbricks** » 28 Jan 2005, 11:09

Pull out the seat bolsters (the vertical cushions that are outboard of the fold down seat backs). Just grab it at the top and give a yank, then pull it loose at the bottom. With the seat backs folded down you will have much better access. You will find a place to get a prybar on top of the hook and snap it on.

Compare your old struts to the new ones to make sure the hook size is the same. fcp sent me the wrong ones the first time for our S70.

Frink1234 · Post by **Frink1234** » 28 Jan 2005, 16:05

OK, tell me what I'm doing wrong. I got the clips off fine. I cannot for the life of me get the claw hook end off! I took the seat bolsters off to get a better angle and everything but they won't budge. I've already bent the crap out of them trying to take them off. Tell me a way to remove the claw hook end of my old trunk strut before I go crazy!
1997 850 Sedan.

Post by **dosbricks** » 28 Jan 2005, 20:08

On our S70 there was a hole in the metal behind the seat bolster that allowed me to use a big screwdriver to pry them on and off.

By the way, take care not to scar up the pistons of the new struts because that could shorten their service life.

Frink1234 · Post by **Frink1234** » 28 Jan 2005, 20:10

Ok - I did get the seat bolster off and it gets me a little bit better access but I'm gonna have to wait until tomorrow to go out and buy a pry bar - my screwdriver doesn't do the trick.

Frink1234 · Post by **Frink1234** » 29 Jan 2005, 11:27

Got the pry bar - worked like a charm. It also made it easier to get some leverage when re-installing. Thanks for your help. Trunk works great now!

Booch · Post by **Booch** » 30 Jan 2005, 12:17

I bought the struts to my wagon for 40.00 from "foreigncarparts" on ebay. he had the ones for sedans for 28.00
Cheers!
--
Christopher

Frink1234 · Post by **Frink1234** » 30 Jan 2005, 12:29

Yep -

That's where I got mine too!

guptash · Post by **guptash** » 31 Jan 2005, 11:49

95' 850 GLT Wagon

Folks,

$63 and 40 minutes later the struts are fixed. Thanks to this forum, I saved about $240.

I did not have to remove any lights, just opened the speaker grill, pulled out the plastic and used a screw driver to yank the ball joints of the strut, put in the new one and ready to go. Did both struts in about 40 minutes.

VovloFreak · Post by **VovloFreak** » 28 Feb 2005, 12:39

Just so you all know...

ebay ID: foreigncarpartsonline
http://stores.ebay.com/FCP-Groton

Online site: http://www.fcpgroton.com/index.htm

Got a set of struts for my '93 850glt from this guy on ebay for $25 plus shipping ($34.50 via FedEx) and had them in my hands 2 days later.

B Osborn · Post by **B Osborn** » 03 Dec 2005, 07:43

I bought a product from a local auto parts store made by "strong" for my Volvo S70. They were 18.00 each. All said and done I think you get what you pay for. I bent one getting it in. The clips on the end are metal and narrow which create their own problems. The tollerances on the metal clip were so poor It required me to file them down in the mouth of the opening to get them on the connection bar. Also, the strong clips were so narrow at the end of the clip it was difficult to get on the post without having the clip turn sideways. I cut my hands twice so be careful arround the back of the car. I think I now could have this job done in 20 minutes without the bllod and self mutalation. MAX. Here is how, Take the bolsters out and work the project from inside the car. Buy the german made shocks, it is tempting to buy the cheaper shocks, but the money you save on the shocks gets turned into time spent on this project and if you are not careful a little blood. Tools needed, regular screwdriver with a narro tip, piece of rope 3/8" dia. or so, and a pair of lock-jaw pliers. Remove struts from trunk lid then the posts. I got pretty rough with them getting them off the clips but, they do come off the bar in the back if you work hard enough. Next I used a small piece of rope and looped it around the base of the bar clip You will notice the shape of the clip allows a small rope to go around it and not get in the way. Slip the rope around the end, position the clip and grap the two ends of the rope with the pliers. use the edge of the opening for leverage and the clip will popo right in as you pull downward.

Good luck.